Michael Jackson Family Drama: Could Katherine Jackson Lose Custody of Prince, Paris and Blanket?

by Rebecca Macatee and Claudia Rosenbaum Tue., Jul. 24, 2012 1:13 PM PDT

Prince Michael Jackson, Katherine Jackson, Blanket Jackson, Paris Jackson

Lester Cohen/WireImage

To say the Jackson family is having some issues right now is an understatement.

But has Michael Jackson's mother Katherine Jackson risked losing custody of the late pop star's three children: Prince, Paris and Blanket?

Doreen Olson, an attorney specializing in guardianship and family law, told E! News she doesn't necessarily think the 82-year-old Jackson family matriarch leaving Paris, 14, for a week (per the teen's tweet) is a violation of her role as a guardian.

Olson said the guardian "steps into the shoes of the parent," and the individual has "the same responsibility any parent has."

As to whether a guardian can leave a minor alone? "Just like a parent, you have discretion," Olson explained.

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"If [Katherine] chooses to go on a vacation and leave the kids with their aunt, and that aunt is buying them clothes, giving them shelter, etc., then I don't think there would be any cause for someone to have her removed as guardian," Olson said."It would be a different case if you found the kids' tuition wasn't being paid, if the kids weren't' dressed appropriately, if they were not getting medical care, not being cared for properly as a result of finances—then it would be a problem."

If other Jackson family members are considering a move to remove Katherine as the children's guardian, Olsen said they must show that Katherine's care of the children is causing detriment to their health, safety and well being.

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Per Katherine's attorney, police were called Monday after certain Jackson family members "ambushed" her home and reportedly attempted to remove the kids' phones.

Paris has voiced her concern over the situation on Twitter, writing Monday: "8 days and counting . something is really off , this isn't like her at all .. i wanna talk directly to my grandmother!! On Tuesday, she reiterated: " 9 days and counting… so help me god i will make whoever did this pay"

Some media reports have claimed Michael's nephew, 34-year-old T.J. Jackson, is seeking temporary guardianship of Prince, Paris and Blanket.

For the kids' sake, we hope the Jacksons can settle this family drama quickly.

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