Custody of Michael Jackson’s kids granted to grandmother

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Jackson’s mother has gained permanent custody of her late son’s children during a hearing today that saw a last-minute objection by the pop icon’s former dermatologist.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff made a series of key rulings during the morning portion of the hearing, which was to reconvene after a short break. In addition to approving Katherine Jackson’s guardianship petition, he 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.

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, Jackson’s longtime dermatologist, had concerns about the children’s education and other day-to-day parenting issues.