Michael Jackson's children to be in care of their granny, 79

Michael Jackson's elderly mother will get custody of his three children under a deal that has just been reached, her lawyer has told US television.

He said Katherine Jackson, 79, and Debbie Rowe, the biological mother of Jackson's two eldest children, have agreed on terms.

The lawyer, L. Londell McMillan, told the CBS Early Show that Katherine will have full custody of Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, also called Blanket, whose mother has never been identified.

He said Ms Rowe will get visitation rights, but will not be getting any money, despite reports that she had agreed to give up her parental rights in exchange for a payout.

Mr McMillan said: "It's an agreement for the best interests of the children. This is not a money deal."

According to rival TV network NBC, Ms Rowe has agreed not to claim custody of Prince Michael and Paris. It reported that the two older children now know that Ms Rowe is their mother and will start a relationship with her.

All parties involved in the custody agreement are expected to appear in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday and the judge is expected to approve the deal.