Re: Paris Jackson Possible Suicide Attempt Rushed to Hospital SHE IS OK
So am I. Michael made guardianship clear and consistent--Branca said he named the same guardians in his earlier Will, too. Diana Ross said in a statement right after MJ died that she is willing to help and step up, if needed. Debbie Rowe has always said she didn't want to be a mom.
The court will decide on guardianship (if they determine a change needs to be made) and Judge Beckloff will consider Michael's Will and the wishes of Paris, because of her age. I doubt the court will split up the kids--at least, I hope not. I pray they do what's best for Paris & her brothers and that Diana Ross takes the parenting reins.
While Michael made pretty clear who he thought best as guardians - that does not obligate the court to decide along those lines! I'm glad the court did seek Diana Ross' opinion when a co-guardian was named and I'm sure they'll keep the communication lines open to her in the future as well but the court is under no obligation to name the exact people as outlined in anyone's will, for that matter.
Guardian suggestions in a will are not really legally binding for a court to begin with. And next of kin will usually be considered first, especially when family has been named in the will, ie Katherine Jackson.
There is also a huge difference if someone lost custody due to criminal activity or other reasons that make one an unfit parent. Unless I recall incorrectly Michael and Debbie reached a decision at that time and at first that seemed amicable and does not constitute loosing custody.
Unless one parent has giant issues that make them a danger for the wellfare of a child and has lost custody in the past because of those issues and make no effort to remedy those issues - an ex spouse cannot really dictate that the other ex spouse is not ever to reestablish custody. Of course the courts look at the big picture and all involved but I doubt any court would deny requests if both parent and child would explicitly ask for some form of shared responsibility. Courts will always make every effort to involve a parent provided the parent and child are willing.
I'm sure the court will remember Michael getting sole custody of the children in the past - but courts have seen all sorts of arrangements and divorce, so Debbie Rowe is far from the only female who did not have custody of her children. Mainstream media always makes it sound as if there has never been a woman with young children where the father became sole custodian.
I also recall her trying to regain some form of custody again. And if an adolescents wishes for more contact with the mother - most courts try everything possible to establish some form of regular contact with a parent. Some courts will even try and establish supervised visits with incarcerated jail inmates if all parties agree for contact to be beneficial. If both mother and daughter wanted a new custody arrangement, most courts will try and incorporate a parent if possible at all. Courts arrange pretty often a split schedule of living and going to school with one parent - and a specific time is then also set up for the other custodian - especially summer breaks etc.
I don't think the judge would be in great favor of splitting up the kids but it's also not as if the court is dealing with three children aged 2,4 and 6. And trying to predict the mood of ANY judge is quite difficult. They usually are known to have tendencies and leanings but ask any lawyer about a predicted outcome - nobody will make any promises.
They will have to find some kind of agreement since I even recall that nobody aside from the guardians was allowed to bring the children even out of state - and even then with permission of the judge, if I recall correctly.
Whatever the case I hope that the custody and guardianship situation will be adjusted as necessary. It might not even be the last adjustment - and that's maybe even for the better. Adjusting to circumstances can sometimes be beneficial rather than stagnation that it isn't working for anyone involved.
