Michael Jackson's mother gained permanent custody of her late son's children during a hearing yesterday that included a surprise objection from the pop icon's former dermatologist.
Michael Jackson's mother gained permanent custody of her late son's children during a hearing yesterday that included a surprise objection from the pop icon's former dermatologist.
In addition to approving Katherine Jackson's guardianship petition, the judge also granted monthly stipends to the 79-year-old and the three young grandchildren she is now charged with raising.
The ruling came after a few tense moments in which an attorney for Beverly Hills Dr Arnold Klein, Michael Jackson's longtime dermatologist, raised nonspecific objections to the custody arrangements.
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The attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, said they were based on the doctor's long-term relationship with the singer and his children.
"Legally, he is not a presumed parent," Kaplan said. He said Klein had concerns about the children's education and other day-to-day parenting issues.
The judge ultimately determined Klein didn't have legal standing to object to the care of Jackson's children, but said he could raise objections later.
Klein has repeatedly denied tabloid reports that he is the biological father of Jackson's children, saying last month on "Larry King Live" that "to the best of my knowledge" he is not.
Diane Goodman, an attorney for Katherine Jackson, told Beckloff that Jackson's youngest son, Prince Michael II, was born through a surrogate who has no parental rights.
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