Jackson's mother awarded guardianship of his children

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Source: CNN

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- A Los Angeles probate court on Monday approved a request by Michael Jackson's mother to take guardianship of his three children, CNN has confirmed.
Michael Jackson's father, Joe Jackson, told CNN on Sunday evening that he and his wife expected to keep the children.

An autopsy was performed on Michael Jackson Friday, and toxicology reports from his body will disprove rumors that the singer's personal physician injected him with powerful painkillers, the attorney for Dr. Conrad Murray said Monday.

"Dr. Murray never prescribed Demerol, never administered Demerol, never saw him -- Michael Jackson -- take Demerol," attorney Edward Chernoff told CNN's "American Morning."

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/29/michael.jackson/index.html

[MichiganVote]

1. Let the games begin

[Taverner]

2. Oh shit - are they going to fuck up those kids just like they fucked up their dad?

Joe is a scumbag - - that asshole should be in jail - - he's the one who really killed Michael

[joeybee12]

5. Doesn't Dante have a special level of hell for people like Joe Jackson?

I predict LaToya gets into the act.

[MNDemNY]

17. he mother is a piece of shit, as well.

no quarter for her, not now.

[Taverner]

18. If she let it happen, then she's just as guilty

[MissDeeds]

24. My thoughts exactly

She was (is?) Joe's enabler.

[Infinite Hope]

43. Michael's mother was decent and she and Michael have always been very close. n/t

[MNDemNY]

46. I did not know that she was deaf, and blind. Sorry.

[Infinite Hope]

98. oOoOoh OoOokay. n/t

[InvisibleTouch]

3. So after the father screwed up his own children...

...he's going to have a shot at the grandkids too? That's truly scary.

[OKNancy]

4. TEMPORARY guardianship

Bad CNN reporting

Better link and headline: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/06/michael-jacksons-death-5.html


.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

6. MSNBC reports it as temporary

Jackson’s mom gets temporary custody of kids
Katherine Jackson also petitions for children’s estate; hearing set for Aug. 3

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31613227/ns/entertainment-music/

LOS ANGELES - Michael Jackson’s mother, having won temporary guardianship of her late son’s three children, is now attempting to take control of the “King of Pop’s” estate, according to a person close to the court proceedings.

Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff granted Katherine Jackson temporary guardianship of the children on Monday. He also scheduled a hearing for Aug. 3 on Jackson’s petition to become permanent guardian of her son’s children.

The petition also seeks to name Jackson as administrator of the children’s estates, but the judge did not grant that request.

Katherine Jackson filed another court action Monday, seeking to take control of her son’s estate, according to a person close to the proceedings who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter and requested anonymity. She is taking that action with the intent of protecting Jackson’s legacy, the person said.

[Coventina]

7. Sad. The cycle of abuse will continue....

My heart goes out to those children.

Has anything been said about MJ's will? Did he have an appointed guardian for the children if anything happened to him?

I'm guessing not, if this is the result.

[BonnieJW]

9. Unfortunately, MJ's idea of a proper guardian

for his kids may well be Bubbles the chimp. I don't think he took any kind of practical considerations when considering who would be the best care giver for his children.

[Laelth]

36. His will probably doesn't matter.

Because children are not property, they can not be given away in a will in GA, at least. California law may be different. In GA, the "best interest of the child" is the only test. The Court can, if it chooses, hear and consider the wishes of a parent, but those wishes are in no way determinative. The Court, here, can give custody to whomever it wants.

:dem:

-Laelth

[The Blue Flower]

8. What about their mother?

????

[IcyPeas]

I heard she said she didn't want them...

sorry, don't have a link, but it was an article in one of the british tabloids - (so, obviously, taken with a grain of salt), but she lives a quiet life with her animals on her ranch and doesn't sound like she wants kids.... she said she never even expects to see them again.....

anything could happen, of course.

[OKNancy]

14. Her lawyer says it was a fake interview

and never happened

http://www.sawfnews.com/Gossip/58661.aspx also on tmz.com

[cbdo2007]

32. Still...she sold her kids to MJ for $10 Million and hasn't seen them in years

I doubt she's going to be voted "Mother of the Year" anytime soon...

[brendan120678]

10. Mothers (plural), I believe. (nt)

[MichiganVote]

11. Well if you can believe the current headlines, and I don't recommend you do..

she is supposedly quoted as saying she does not want them. However, that does not mean that the court cannot order them to live with her. Unless she has had her parental rights terminated, and she has not, she is an option. Note: Parental rights are not the same as having legal or physical custody.

A good judge would leave all options open pending an investigation of each and every option including the persons that Jackson himself has listed in his will.

[MNDemNY]

21. ONLY the welfare of those children should be taken into account.

The wishes of everyone, including their "father" must take a back seat, way back.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

12. HuffPo: Debbie Rowe: Michael Is Not Kids' Biological Dad, I Don't Want Them

Debbie Rowe: Michael Is Not Kids' Biological Dad, I Don't Want Them



http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/28/debbie-rowe-michael-is-no_n_222027.html

Debbie (who lives on a farm surrounded by animals) said, ""I was just the vessel. It wasn't Michael's sperm. Just like I stick the sperm up my horse, this is what they did to me. I was his thoroughbred."....

After Debbie gave birth to second child Paris, she couldn't have kids again, "The delivery was so hard. My insides were all torn up and I was barren. When he knew I couldn't have any more babies he didn't want anything to do with me."

Debbie says she will not fight for custody of Prince Michael or Paris, "I know I will never see them again. I was never cut out to be a mother - I was no good. I don't want these children in my life. My children are my animals now."

[OKNancy]

15. her lawyer says it's a fake interview.. never happened

Also, the original article from the British tabloid News of the World has been removed

[Amerigo Vespucci]

23. Huffington Post claims it's legit, but from 2004

Same link as above.

UPDATE: Roger Friedman of Showbiz411.com says that the News of the World story refers to a 2004 interview and that the only interview Rowe has done since Jackson's death was with him.

She told me during a brief conversation today: "I lost my best friend."

Rowe was married to Jackson when she had Prince Michael I and Paris Katherine. But it was always understood that they'd part. Now, she is in tears missing her friend.

So far, Rowe has not addressed the issue of the kids or custody despite frantic reports. She wouldn't do that, she says. "Michael hasn't even been buried," she says. Rowe has always had an excellent relationship with Michael's mother, Katherine Jackson, and looks forward to talking to her soon, and possibly even seeing the children when the time is right.

The Jacksons' attorney says the family has not heard from Debbie Rowe about custody.

[OKNancy]

28. no it doesn't

They do not claim it is legit. All the Update says is that the only recent interview was with Roger Friedman.
Nowhere do they claim that the 2004 "interview" is legit. Her lawyer says it is fake, it has been pulled from the site.. and it's from a British tabloid.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

29. Not looking for an argument

Yes, it's a British tabloid, Yes, Huffington Post posts a link that was working previously but is now broken (http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/381773/Mother-of-Michael-Jackons-children-Debbie-Rowe-confesses-he-was-not-their-father.html).

They post the following disclaimer:

UPDATE: Roger Friedman of Showbiz411.com says that the News of the World story refers to a 2004 interview and that the only interview Rowe has done since Jackson's death was with him.

"Legit" = "This was published." It was. By a British tabloid, but it was.

So I've posted the link to the Huffington Post story, and any grievances should be taken up with them.

[OKNancy]

30. LOL - me either

It was published but the story is a fake. That's all I'm saying... well at least Debbie Rowe's lawyer says it's a fake.

I am only interested in this because if she is putting out word through her lawyer that it is a fake, then she may try to get custody or at least better visitation.

[Abq_Sarah]

115. Judging from that interview

It's just as well she has no contact with them.

[marshall]

118. The news now is that Rowe is also NOT a biological parent

She was the surrogate.

[maxsolomon]

13. non-starter

Debbie Rowe is only the mother of the older 2. Blanket's mother is unknown.

This seems like the most practical solution for now - but I'd prefer to see the kids go to of MJ's siblings.

[Freddie Stubbs]

16. Because Joe and her did such a great job raising Michael

[elehhhhna]

19. he beat that boy crazy & now gets 3 more to exploit? OHHELLNO.

[MNDemNY]

22. hell yes! aint life good?

[GreenPartyVoter]

31. Why did MJ not have anything specifically put down in writing as to who he wanted to take the kids?

[Laelth]

37. It would not matter, even if he did.

Because children are not property, they can not be given away in a "writing" ... unless it's an adoption.

:dem:

-Laelth

[GreenPartyVoter]

38. I thought you could work something out in your will spelling out guardianship of your kids? I mean

I certainly would rather have some of my relatives take my kids than others, you know?

[Laelth]

39. Perhaps you can in California.

Not in Georgia. In Georgia the only test for custody is "best interest of the child." The Court can, if it chooses, hear and consider the wishes of biological parents, but their wishes are not controlling. The Court can give custody to whomever it wants.

:dem:

-Laelth

[GreenPartyVoter]

40. Dang. I guess I better find out how it works here in Maine. Just in case.

[Laelth]

41. That would be a good idea.

Of course, from my experience, most Judges prefer to give custody to biological relatives. The best way to insure that your wishes are followed is to tell everyone in your family what you want to happen. That way only one person (the person you told everyone that you wanted to have custody) will fight for the child. You can't insure that there will be no fight, but you will put social pressure on the other family members to not fight your preferred relative's attempt to get custody. Of course, here in GA, the Court could still give your child to a complete stranger, but that is rare.

:dem:

-Laelth

[kestrel91316]

101. For several years before their kids reached 18 my sister and BIL in WI

specified in their wills that I was to be the kids' legal guardian in the event of their simultaneous deaths.

My parents had a similar thing when we were growing up specifying my maternal grandparents first, and then later a favorite uncle and aunt, and we lived all over the US.

I think a state that doesn't let the parents do this must be the exception rather than the rule.

[Laelth]

107. You can put whatever you want in your will.

That doesn't mean a Court will enforce it. The test would be to see if any such similar will provision has ever been enforced in that state. I suspect that most Courts would not enforce such a will provision. The "best interest of the child" standard for custody is widespread (but not universal) in the U.S. My hunch, though, is that because children are not property, they can't be given away in a will. The Court probably can consider what the will of a biological parent says, but the will will probably not control the Court's action.

Be advised, though, that I am not licensed to practice law in any state other than Georgia. Consult a local attorney.

:dem:

-Laelth

[goclark]

35. As far as I remember the father and mother do not live together

I remember the Mom living in the Valley but never heard of the father living with her.

[kestrel91316]

102. Grandma lives in Encino. I know the exact house. Perhaps the reason

Joe had to fly in from Vegas is because he lives THERE? They are/were Jehovah's Witnesses so I think divorce is verboten, but maybe they are for all intents and purposes totally separated?

[goclark]

106. Just heard on tv that he "lives in Vegas."

That is great and I hope he stays there forever.

He is a mean man IMO.

[Ganja Ninja]

20. Joe Jackson: "Ka Ching!"

Maybe he can whip those kids into shape and still cover those 50 concert dates Michael booked.

[AngryOldDem]

26. Let's hope they're devoid of ANY musical talent

Because if not, that bastard will take advantage, sure as shit. Don't think he won't.

[Morning Dew]

33. I believe the oldest boy was preparing to do a duet with MJ in the London shows. nm

[glinda]

44. Reports are Blanket looks like Michael and is very talented musically....

keep that ass father away from them!!!!!!!!!!!

[maxsolomon]

47. since Blanket is not in any way biologically related to MJ

that'd be a neat trick.

[jazzjunkysue]

95. Maybe now Blanket can get his own name.....

This entire family is so effed up, where do you start????????:crazy:

[glinda]

99. The first two are not. Blanket was conceived with some one's sperm to a woman in

Europe possibly. I am guessing it might be his sperm.

[maxsolomon]

111. look at the dangling baby photo again.

i don't think he bleached his sperm.

[glinda]

116. Mother may have been white. Pictures of Blanket shows him with a bit darker skin.

[chatnoir]

117. None of the children are

And he apparently didn't adopt them either thinking no one would wage a custody battle against him.

[DesertFlower]

25. hopefully it's just temporary. nt

[LibDemAlways]

27. Jackson's oldest sister Maureen, or Rebbie, as she's known,

is actually very normal and down to earth. Would probably make a great guardian for those kids. Back in the 80's I worked in a travel agency and Reebie and her husband Nathaniel would frequently come in to book tickets. She played small venues - clubs and lounges - around the country at the time. Never flaunted her connections. Always bought economy tickets, and was just a delight as a client. Her husband owned a driving school. Just very nice people.

I hope ultimately the judge does the right thing - whatever that is. Those kids deserve a shot at a normal life.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

34. I hope, for the kid's sake

they do wind up with someone as normal as Rebbie sounds.

[glinda]

45. Perfect match!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Swede Atlanta]

42. I hope "temporary" means just that......

I hope that the judge invoking the principle of the "best interests of the child" decided that at this time when they are grieving the death of their father along with the media circus on tv, etc. they are perhaps better off with family than as wards of the state.

That said, given allegations of Joe Jackson's abuse of Michael, clear dereliction of any concern for Michael other than money and fame, a future court will take a more reasoned and balanced approach to this determination.

The courts must not be swayed by public opinion or the public frenzy and be guided by principles that truly do reflect the best interests of these children who have already lived a most unique life.

[BlueJessamine]

48. Jackson's mother files for custody of his three kids

Source: CNN

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Michael Jackson's mother filed a petition Monday in Los Angeles Probate Court seeking legal guardianship of her son's three children, CNN has confirmed.

A hearing was scheduled for August 3 on Katherine Jackson's petition.

Michael Jackson's father, Joe Jackson, told CNN on Sunday evening that he and his wife expected to keep the children.

"We're not trying to get custody," Jackson said. "We will get custody and have custody."



Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/29/michael.jackson/#cnnSTCText

---

[brendan120678]

49. I'm not completely opposed to this idea, because they should be...

with family. But a part of me is thinking, "Great. The same parents who helped screw-up Michael into the person he was now want to raise his kids."

[MNDemNY]

52. A beater, and an enabler. good move.

[Happyhippychick]

63. Yep. And did you see that bizarre video of Joe from yesterday? He talked about the death of a

superstar (not his son) and used the platform to sell his new business venture - a recording label. All while looking like some drugged out pimp.

Here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt2GUNhS1bs

[mountainvue]

76. Yup. Daddy Money. He was the first and

biggest vulture in Michael's life. Joe is getting another unexpected go round on the 15 minute machine and he sure seems to be liking it.

[davidpdx]

96. Yeah, I read that in the article too

I'm concerned if his parents get the kids they will become nothing but a product to make money.

[sandnsea]

56. That happens all the time

I can't count the number of times I've seen self-righteous grandparents lording it over their screwed up kids, end up with the grandkids, and never once consider the irony of the fact that they screwed their kids up in the first place.

[AngryOldDem]

74. Exactly.

I saw the CNN interview with Joe Jackson last night...man. What a frigging opportunist. There, shilling his next business venture with the lawyer, and, oh, yeah...my son died and I'm concerned.

For the kids' sake, I hope they're all tone-deaf. Otherwise, Grandpa will put them to work before Jackson's cold in his grave. The kids will most likely be screwed up anyway. No need to add to more tragedy.

[goclark]

94. Dad was known to have a strange personality but

the other kids have stayed out of the news for the most part.

So I wouldn't blame Mrs. Jackson and even with Mr. Jackson,they raised a large family while in the spotlight.

Not sure how many families could be perfect with the life that they followed.

Well,there was that time when Justin T. pulled Janet's clothes off.

Janet took the blame and Justin got off clean.

Guess that was the fault of Janet's mother and father not Justin's.

[TrogL]

50. Spoken like a true authoritarian

My reality is the only reality.

[MNDemNY]

51. I hope not, their track record is not so good.

Joe, do you still beat your kids????Katherine, do you still turn a blind eye??? I hope an attorney for these children find another guardian.

[AlphaCentauri]

53. There should be DNA test first n/t

[MNDemNY]

54. And, more important, an inquiry into their fitness as parents.

[sandnsea]

57. DNA does not make a parent

In any sense, but most certainly not in the sense of these kids who either have Michael Jackson as the father on the birth certificate, or legal adoption papers. From the days when their wasn't DNA, the father the children know as a father is the one the courts consider the legal father.

[AlphaCentauri]

62. MJ could be their legal father but I don't think there is a definition for legal Grand Parents n/t

[sandnsea]

79. In some states there is

Grandparents have legal rights. The legal grandparents are the parents of the legal parent.

[Kahuna]

59. Why? Michael was their "father" regardless of the DNA. nt

[Dappleganger]

72. Please get off this DNA trip

MJ was their legal father so whether or not he spawned them doesn't amount to anything. In the eyes of the law he was their father, period.

[mountainvue]

80. Debbie Rowe has publicly said

that Michael is not the father of the first two. She was artificially inseminated. So the DNA will not match.

[kestrel91316]

103. They were married, she gave birth, He is on their birth certificates.

Legally he is the father. DNA is irrelevant.

[havocmom]

55. One hopes the courts will look at what they did to their own kid

then speculate what they might allow to happen to children with no biological connection, but lots potential revenue (I hear MJ's CDs are selling big right now).

One hopes the courts would make quick work of abusers who want more to abuse.

[CountAllVotes]

58. Micahel Jackson would not have wanted this

and considering the fact that his father used to beat him (they have this on video/tape as evidence) and the mother lives in horrific denial of everything seemingly, I say the kids should go elsewhere - like to a well adjusted loving home if one can be found in this day and age!

:kick:

[SunsetDreams]

60. How do you know what he would have wanted?

[CountAllVotes]

68. I think we need to find out if he had a will first

maybe what he wanted is in the will dare I suggest?

I don't know what he wanted as I did not know him. I really am pretty sure he wouldn't have wanted his father anywhere near them however.

:kick:

[AngryOldDem]

77. That is the question, isn't it?

If he didn't -- I don't even want to go there.

[Laelth]

84. Children are not property that can be given away in a will.

Here in GA, the best interest of the child is the only test for custody. The Court can, if it chooses, hear and consider the biological parents' wishes, but it is not bound by those wishes in any way.

:dem:

-Laelth

Edit:Laelth--sloppy editing.

[kestrel91316]

104. MJ was residing in CA when he died. GA law is completely irrelevant.

[Laelth]

108. LOL. Indeed. Thanks for the tip. n/t

:dem:

-Laelth

[Crunchy Frog]

73. I was under the impression he was estranged from his father.

That seems like a pretty good indication of what his preferences would have been.

I hope that he made some sort of provision for this eventuality.

[mountainvue]

81. He had 8 (?) siblings. Surely one

of them has a stable home for the kids to go to? I'd rather see them with Janet or LaToya at this point.

[undeterred]

61. Are there any normal families amongst all the siblings?

Michael's parents are too old to take care of 3 children for much longer and it makes sense to keep them within his family. Germaine? Tito? Marlon? Janet? LaToya? Anybody fit to be a parent?

[Happyhippychick]

65. There's an older sister, Rebbie, who was never in show business.Don't know anything about her though

[theblasmo]

71. Mollusks

There are types of mollusks out there that would be better parents than most of these people. Next thing you know, Joe will announce a national lottery for the chance to take care of them. 20 bucks a ticket.

[SoxFan]

64. WHAT ABOUT BUBBLES?!?!?!?

[mountainvue]

82. I though he was no longer with us. n/t

[SoxFan]

91. Actually, he lives in a zoo in California

Apparently, even the chimp had enough and started to unravel, so he was sent to an animal preserve/zoo of some sort.

[tammywammy]

113. No, he's in Florida at a private sanctuary

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31661637/ns/today_entertainment/

[cbdo2007]

66. are there any normal families anywhere?

Nope. Everybody's family is f'ed up in some fashion.

Even without Michael, these kids will never have a normal life even if you tried taking them out of the spotlight. They will be hounded by paparazzi and will be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Best to leave them with what is familiar to them, which is their grandmother and their nanny.

[BlueJessamine]

67. Maybe Debbie Rowe is considering her parental rights?...

Michael Jackson's Children Not Fathered By Michael Jackson, Says Ex-Wife

http://gawker.com/5303537/michael-jacksons-children-not-fathered-by-michael-jackson-says-ex+wife

snip

Michael Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe, who gave birth to his two oldest children, Prince and Paris, says that she was impregnated through artificial insemination using sperm from an anonymous donor. Thus, she compared herself to a thoroughbred horse.

snip

Rowe also said that Jackson's third child, Prince Michael II, was also conceived through artificial insemination by an anonymous sperm donor with an unknown surrogate paid to carry the child.

An attorney for Ms. Rowe is now denying this story:

Debbie Rowe Interveiw Fake

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2009/06/exclusive-debbie-rowe-interview-fake

Headlines abound suggest a British tabloid claimed that Debbie Rowe, surrogate mother to Michael Jackson's two children, said the singer wasn't the father of his proposed children--and that she had no interest in obtaining custody of the kids.

Rowe's attorney, Marta Almli exclusively tells RadarOnline.com, "The interview did not occur. The article is a complete fabrication."

Rowe was married to Michael and had two children with the pop star. She reportedly has never had a relationship with the children.

Almli said she was unable, at this point, to answer any further questions about actions Rowe would be taking in regards to the children.

Michael Jackson's death: Will Debbie Rowe get custody of two kids?

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/06/michael-jacksons-death-will-debbie-get-custody.html

Michael Jackson’s former wife, Debbie Rowe, is most likely to receive custody of the two children she bore when she was married to the late pop star, legal experts said today.

Although Rowe initially waived parental rights to the children, she later changed her mind, and an appeals court ruled she was the legal mother of Prince Michael Jr. and Paris Michael Katherine.

“When a child has two legal parents and one of them dies, the other takes custody,” said USC law professor Scott Altman.

[hamsterjill]

86. Would be sad to divide the children up

I'm sure that Debbie Rowe is looking at all of her options, and it was surprising to see an article saying she was giving up her rights so quickly. Obviously, the validity of the article has now been called into question.

Even if she gains custody of the two older children, she has no legal claims on the youngest. It would be sad, to me, to have the children split up between two households.

[Dulcinea]

69. What about their mother?

Debbie Rowe is the biological mother of the 2 older kids. Does she have any rights here?

Aren't Joe & Katherine around 80? They're kind of old to take on 3 kids. And they're hardly shining examples of parenthood.

[Autonomy]

70. Anyone else think this is about money?

Like all those guys fighting to be the father of Anna Nicole's child, this looks like it's about controlling the inheritance.

It's like a cross between Kafka and a modern-day Dickens novel. Weird and creepy and tragic.

[mountainvue]

75. I'm not too pleased that this means

they will be sharing a home with Joe Jackson.

[Triana]

78. F*cking a$$hole will likely abuse them just like he did his own kids...

....I hate to see it happen but nothing anyone can do.

He probably abuses Mrs. Jackson as well. Not sure why she puts up with the SOB, Joe Jackson. Never was sure about that.

[OKNancy]

83. Joe and Katherine don't live together any more

is my understanding. He lives in Las Vegas, she in California. That fact doesn't make her the right choice however.

[Demeter]

85. So They can Mess Up Another Generation?

Not a great idea.

[sce56]

87. Michael Jackson's mom granted temporary guardianship of children [Updated]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/06/michael-jacksons-death-5.html
: A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge issued a ruling this morning granting temporary guardianship of deceased singer Michael Jackson’s three children to his mother, Katherine Jackson, a court spokesman said.

Judge Mitchell Beckloff has set a hearing for July 6 at 8:30 a.m. for the case, where the children do not have to be present, according to Allan Parachini, spokesman for the Los Angeles Superior Court. The hearing was originally scheduled for Aug. 3. Parachini said the rescheduling is routine for guardianship cases.]


Michael Jackson's mother had filed documents this morning in Los Angeles County Superior Court, seeking guardianship of the deceased pop singer's three children.

[2Design]

88. I hope he has something iron clad in his will as to their guardians nt/

[Laelth]

90. In Georgia, his will wouldn't matter.

Because children are not property, they can't be given away in a will. Here in GA, the only test is "best interest of the child." The Court may choose to hear and consider the wishes of a biological parent regarding custody, but that parent's wishes are in no way determinative. The Court can give custody to whomever it wants.

:dem:

-Laelth

[kestrel91316]

105. GA laws are not applicable in CA.

[Laelth]

109. Delete.

Sorry. Dupe.

:dem:

-Laelth

[Laelth]

110. Indeed. Thanks again for the tip.

Does it make you feel better to say that?

:)

:dem:

-Laelth

[kestrel91316]

112. Does it make you better to keep telling us how things are done in

your exceedingly backward, redneck state of GA?

[Laelth]

114. I certainly felt the need to explain to people that children are not property.

As such, you should not be able to give them away in a will. Because I do not know the law of all 50 states, all I can say for sure is that a will can not be used to "give away" children in GA. I suspect, but do not know for certain, that other states have similar rules.

But I did object, and do object, to the idea that children can be treated as property and given away in a will. That's just wrong, imho. Some states may allow it. I just don't know. Consult a local attorney.

Several different people in this thread made comments about wills, and I wanted to respond to each of them, individually. That's why I made several, similar posts about GA law in this thread.

:dem:

-Laelth

[TygrBright]

89. Yeah, because she did such a great job of raising healthy, well-adjusted Michael. Ouch. n/t

[rvablue]

92. If Joe Jackson gets his hands on those kids, get read for the JACKSON 3 to tour

at a concert arena near you.

And maybe a TV show on the Disney Channel.

And some product lines.

I hope some of Michael's brothers and sisters finally stand up to this NPD monster and keep this from happening.

[Infinite Hope]

93. Michael and his mother were very close so I think this is the right move. The biological parents...

gave up custody and therefore not only are not entitled to custody, but legally speaking said they didn't want it.

[Moondog]

97. Those kids are so screwed.

[Vidar]

100. Taking a bad situation & making it worse.