Jackson's mother gets permanent custody of his children

Michael Jackson's mother will retain permanent custody of his three children in an out-of-court agreement reached with the late pop star's ex-wife Debbie Rowe.

Rowe, who is the biological mother of Jackson's two elder children, will be granted "meaningful visitation rights", ABC News reported, quoting a source.

According to the agreement, Katherine Jackson, 79, will maintain sole custody of Prince Michael I, 12, Paris-Michael Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II 'Blanket', 7, while Rowe will retain her legal parental rights.

Katherine and Rowe's lawyers plan to bring the agreement to the Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday for the approval of judge Mitchell Beckloff, who had appointed Jackson's mother as temporary custodian of the children.

Rowe had earlier indicated that she would fight for the custody rights of the two children, but she decided to give up the rights after reaching a deal with Katherine, who is said to be close to the children.

"The discussions were amicable and cooperative rather than a give-and-take negotiation. Both sides cooperated to reach agreement based solely on the best interest of the children," the source said.

Both Rowe and Katherine will reportedly split the cost of a child psychologist for the children, who have been living with Katherine and Jackson's extended family in Encino, California, since the pop star's sudden death on June 25.