Judge to rule on Michael Jackson's kids' guardians

October 2011 file photo shows, from left, Prince Jackson, Prince Michael II "Blanket"Jackson and Paris Jackson arriving on stage at Michael Forever the Tribute Concert, at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. / file,AP Photo/Joel Ryan

(AP) LOS ANGELES — A judge is expected to appoint Michael Jackson's nephew as a co-guardian of the late pop superstar's children on Wednesday, establishing continuity for them in case their grandmother becomes unable to raise them.

Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff has said he is inclined to appoint Tito Jackson's son, TJ, to share guardianship responsibilities with Michael Jackson's mother.

The 34-year-old stepped in and was appointed a temporary guardian last month when Katherine Jackson was incommunicado during a stay at an Arizona spa with relatives.

Beckloff has said Katherine Jackson is doing a great job raising Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson, who range in ages from 10 to 15.

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Michael Jackson's children

The Jackson family matriarch's absence coincided with a split in the family over whether to support the executors of the late singer's estate, some of whom think should resign.

Katherine and TJ Jackson have agreed to the co-guardianship arrangement, which is aimed at alleviating stress on the children's 82-year grandmother. The agreement calls for the other to assume sole guardianship duties if the other is unable to serve any longer.

TJ Jackson was a relative unknown to the public before the recent rift in the family. He performs in a band called 3T along with his brothers and was close to his uncle, Michael, before the pop star died unexpectedly in June 2009 at age 50.

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TJ Jackson is a cousin of the children and has remained close to them in the three years since the singer's death.

Wednesday's hearing is expected to be a legal formality, with TJ Jackson already earning the support of the two oldest children. Their mother, Deborah Rowe, has also indicated she is comfortable with the arrangement.

Three of Michael Jackson's siblings, sisters Janet and Rebbie and younger brother Randy, have all expressed concerns about the administrators of the singer's estate and called on them to resign. The window to contest the singer's will is closed, but the trio said as recently as last week that challenging the executors remains their priority.

Jackson's estate has generated more than $475 million in gross earnings since the singer's death. He left his estate to benefit his mother and children, with a share allocated to unspecified charities.

[JacxonLRyan]

*Correction
"Know the entire story before you run to opinion which ends up coming off ignorant because you don't know what you are talking about.

[JacxonLRyan]

None of you know what you are talking about. Janet Jackson is worth almost 400 million dollars and dating a billionaire. This isn't about money! Are you all retarded? Janet's attorney has already issued a statement about this, making TMZ take down the lies off of their website. Furthermore, Janet, Rebbie and Randy do not want the money nor are they going to get the money! Nobody gets the money; it stays with the executor of the estate, they just want other people over the money and not the people that are because they are crooks. There is video footage of Micheal being in NY at the same exact time his so called will was supposed to be sign. Now unless he is a mutant how in the hell was he in two different cities at once.

Now the entire story before you run to opinion which ends up coming off ignorant because you don't know what you are talking about.

[jwilsonte]

janet jackson has always been someone of a BUM . Don't think she could be trusted all three of those siblings are looking out for themselves~

[Henri_Rochard]

Maybe the girl looks a little like Michael Jackson. I sure don't see any resemblance in the other two.

[phwtb100]

Give the kids to the only person who would want them if NO MONEY was involved. Janet, Rebbie and Randy need to earn their own living and if the judge isn't careful, there won't be any 'estate' to give the children after the family gets done 'taking care of it' all.