With the death of pop icon Michael Jackson, many Texas readers were curious about who would care for the three children he left behind. Those children range in age from 10 to 15. After private interviews of the children were held by a judge, it was determined that Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson would have sole custody and responsibility for raising his three children.
Katherine Jackson, however, is now in her 80’s and she is not only responsible for caring for the children, but also controlling the family’s financial affairs, which consists of tens of thousands of dollars each month. In addition, the family’s compound is dependent upon several staff and security, the burden to manage which has also landed on the shoulders of the grandmother.
However, last week the children’s grandmother was absent and apparently she did not have any contact with her grandchildren during that time. Why was the children’s grandmother absent? She was on a trip to an Arizona spa with her daughter and some other relatives, which is no wonder considering the burdens she is carrying.
The judge, however, became concerned about the guardianship of the children and temporarily suspended her authority. He transferred temporary guardianship to Tito Joe “TJ” Jackson, the adult son of Tito Jackson, Michael Jackson’s brother. TJ Jackson has apparently been a strong presence in the lives of his three cousins.
Katherine Jackson did not think this was such a bad idea. While she is hoping to regain authority over the children, she also now proposes that she would share the responsibilities of raising the children and managing the household with TJ. This would obviously lighten her load in terms of the daily management of their lives.
If the guardianship agreement is approved, then the two will be considered co-guardians of Michael Jackson’s children.
Source: Huffington Post, “Katherine Jackson Meets With Attorney Over Child Custody Battle,” Anthony McCartney, July 27, 2012
