Celebrity | Michael Jackson Katherine Jackson Gets Custody By Evann Gastaldo Posted Aug 3, 2009 12:01 PM CDT Copied In this June 13, 2005 file photo, Michael Jackson and his mother, Katherine, leave Santa Barbara County Superior Court in Santa Maria, Calif., after he was acquitted in his child molestation case. (AP Photo/John G. Mabanglo, Pool) A judge signed off today on last week’s unofficial custody arrangement for Michael Jackson’s children, appointing Katherine Jackson as the permanent guardian of all three, the AP reports. Jackson’s mother, 79, was the first choice given in his will to raise the children, and is the only person to formally petition for custody. Paris and Prince reportedly signed statements saying they wished to remain with their grandmother. Read These Next Mark Zuckerberg's 'list' has Silicon Valley buzzing. Tillis, who opposes Trump bill, won't seek reelection. IAEA chief downplays damage to Iran nuclear sites. Musk renews attack on Trump's bill. Report an error