Debbie Rowe: Dropping Custody For Money?
The NY Post reports that Debbie Rowe and Katherine Jackson have reached a $4 million deal regarding Michael Jackson’s kids.
[Bauer Griffin Online]
Debbie reportedly is giving up her “parental rights” for this sum of money, which could mark the third time she has done so. Following the birth of MJ’s first two kids, Prince Michael and Paris, Debbie allegedly agreed to walk away from motherhood for a lump sum of $8 million, plus $900,000 annually for five years.
In 2001, amid accusations of child molestation, she re-surfaced and tried to re-claim her rights. In the end, however, she allegedly relinquished her rights and the custody fight again in exchange for another $4 million plus a $900,000 home.
If true, this is very sad. Selling kids is not ok.
Having said that, the legal question here is whether Debbie is giving up “guardianship rights” or whether she is really terminating any and all parental rights.
If it’s the former, a guardianship takes away her right to make decisions about the kids, but it does not permanently terminate parental rights. Although the guardian has custody and is responsible for raising the child, Debbie would remain the kids’ legal parent.
And, this could mean she would remain involved. As the legal parent, she may be able to visit the children, but when and how often is up to the guardian (or the court) to decide. Further, she could even regain custody of the kids if the court determines the guardianship is no longer in their best interests.
UPDATE: Debbie Rowe’s attorney, Eric George, says that no deal has been reached. He claims that the report is “completely false.”
