Jackson mother 'granted custody of kids'

Michael Jackson's mother will retain custody of the singer's three children after reaching an agreement with his ex-wife Debbie Rowe, say reports.

Under the terms of the deal, Katherine Jackson will continue to care for the children, while Rowe, who is the biological mother of the eldest two, will have "meaningful visitation" and retain her legal parental rights.

Speaking to CBS's The Early Show, an attorney for Katherine said: "It's an agreement, an agreement for the best interests of the children. This is not a money deal. This is not about money.

"All of the parties are resolved. There is no situation better for these children than for them to be raised and reared in the loving care of Mrs Katherine Jackson."

According to the Los Angeles Times, the out-of-court agreement also provides for a child psychologist to be hired to advise Katherine and Rowe about how, when and where Rowe's visits should take place.

Rowe, who was married to Jackson from 1996 until 1999, is the mother of Prince Michael, 12, and Paris Katherine, 11, while 7-year-old Blanket was born via an anonymous surrogate.

A source close to the proceedings has said that Rowe is "really happy" about the arrangement and that she did not receive any money in the agreement and would pay for half the fees of the psychologist. They added that the former nurse had not asked for custody.

Katherine was named in Jackson's will as his preferred guardian, although it had been rumoured that Rowe was eager to regain custody of her two children.

The children have been living with Katherine at the Jackson family compound in Encino, California, since their father's death on June 25. Rowe lives on a farm in Palmdale, California.