Debbie Rowe Will Seek Custody of Kids, File Restraining Order Against Joe Jackson

Debbie Rowe wants custody of the two children she had with Michael Jackson.

"I want my children," she said during a 90-minute phone conversation Thursday morning with NBCLA's Chuck Henry.

She said she would seek a restraining order to keep Michael's father, Joe Jackson, away from the children.

The agreement does allow for visitation, but Rowe said it's a very difficult process. She said if she misses a visitation date, it is difficult to reschedule with the Jacksons.

"I am stepping up," she said. "I have to."

Debbie said she was still grieving. She said she decided she had to seek custody after Jackson's death.

"We had an agreement... he didn't keep his end," she said, referring to Michael's death.

Debbie said she was concerned about splitting up the children. She said she did not expect the court to grant custody of the third child, but added that she would be willing to accept custody.

Debbie, who was married to Jackson in 1996 and filed for divorce three years later, surrendered her parental rights. An appeals court later found that was done in error, and Debbie and Michael entered an out-of-court settlement in 2006.

In her testimony eight years ago, Debbie said, "I had the children for him. They wouldn't be on this planet if it wasn't for my love for him. I did it for him to become a father, not for me to become a mother. You earn the title 'parent." I have done absolutely nothing to earn that title."

Earlier this week, Michael's mother was appointed temporary guardian of the children, pending a hearing on Monday. A will signed by Michael in 2002 and filed with the court Wednesday requests that Katherine Jackson be named guardian of the children, but in the event of her death, he asked that singer Diana Ross be appointed.

The will also specifically leaves Debbie out of any inheritance.

Debbie's attorney, Eric George, told the Los Angeles Times that he will be at the custody hearing Monday to represent her. On Thursday afternoon, it was reported that the hearing has been postponed until July 13, according to the Superior Court's public information office. A hearing will still be held Monday to discuss issues regarding the administration of Michael's estate.



source