TJ Jackson officially co-guardian of Michael Jackson's children

A judge appointed Michael Jackson’s nephew, Tito Jackson's son, on Wednesday to share guardianship responsibilities for Michael Jackson's three children, but not without a last-minute effort by some relatives to delay the decision.

Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff named TJ Jackson as the children’s co-guardian who will now share responsibilities for raising the siblings, who range in ages from 10 to 15.

The judge made the ruling after considering a letter submitted by singer Diana Ross, who was named in Michael Jackson’s will as a potential guardian, and a letter presented by Joe Jackson's sister-in-law, Debra and her son, Anthony, who sought a delay in the appointment.

During the proceedings Debra, who was married to Joe's brother, Lawrence Jackson, and their only child, Anthony, appeared before the judge asking for the proceedings to be delayed because they had concerns about Katherine and TJ being named as guardians.

"Michael had concerns about certain people's influences on his children.....TJ Jackson and his brothers," Debra Jackson told Judge Beckloff.

The judge wasn't impressed with Debra's claims though and said a thorough investigation had been conducted and it was in the children's best interests that TJ and Katherine be named as co-guardians. It was also revealed during the hearing that Debra and Anthony had been told to leave a party for Prince Jackson because they weren't welcome.

After Lawrence passed away, when Anthony was seven years old, Michael Jackson became significantly involved in his life and was his godfather.

Debra Jackson and her son Anthony urged Beckloff to delay his ruling, saying they were concerned that family matriarch Katherine Jackson was being coerced. The pair said they had been ostracized from the family and that the children may not be as excited about TJ Jackson’s appointment as has been presented to the judge.

But Beckloff noted that all three children have said they consent to the co-guardianship, and that an independent investigation he ordered showed they “have a very strong, loving relationship with TJ Jackson.”

He urged TJ Jackson to consider allowing the cousins to visit the family, but said there was no reason to delay. The appointment means that Katherine Jackson, 82, and TJ Jackson, 34, will share responsibilities for raising the children. Katherine and TJ made an agreement according to which Katherine will manage the children's allowance, while TJ will handle all the rest. If one of them is no longer able to serve, the other would become the children’s sole guardian.

TJ Jackson smiled as he entered the courtroom wearing a dark suit and tie and spoke only briefly to exchange pleasantries with the judge at the start of the hearing. He appeared calm afterward, but was escorted in and out of the courthouse by deputies and did not speak with reporters.

Debra and Anthony Jackson also declined comment after the hearing, merely confirming their names and relationship to the family.

Their letter and one submitted by Diana Ross were not filed with the court and will not be made public, court officials said.

Katherine Jackson’s attorney, Sandra Ribera, disputed their claims that her client is being improperly influenced.

“Mrs. Jackson is well informed,” she said. “Mrs. Jackson is a strong woman who cannot be influenced by anyone when it comes to decisions about these children.”

TJ Jackson 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, but noted that having a co-guardian will allow for continuity in their lives if she is no longer able to serve.

Wednesday’s hearing had been expected to be a legal formality and although Beckloff made time to hear the cousins’ grievances, the judge didn’t waver in his view that the co-guardianship arrangement was appropriate. He noted that it is frequently employed in other cases.

The mother of the two eldest children, Deborah Rowe, has indicated she is comfortable with the arrangement. Michael Jackson’s youngest son, Blanket, was born to a surrogate and the mother’s identity has never been revealed.

Sources: AP / RadarOnline.com