50 Cent Wraps Up Custody Deal

Rapper and former girlfriend agree on visitation over 11-year-old son without going to trial

There'll be no more kidding around for 50 Cent. At least, not in court.

The rapper and his former girlfriend, Shaniqua Tompkins, have reached a settlement in their ongoing and bitter custody dispute over 11-year-old son Marquise, announcing this morning they have managed to broker a visitation schedule outside of court, thus avoiding the burden of a high-profile trial.

"I'm happy it's actually done with," Fiddy told reporters outside the Suffolk Family Court of the deal, despite the fact that it grants him less visitation time with the boy than he originally sought.

During this morning's five-minute hearing, in which both the rapper and Thompson were present, but avoided eye or any other contact, lawyers disclosed that 50 Cent will see his son one weekend per month, one month in the summer and spend half his winter and spring breaks in his father's custody.

"I thank you guys for your cooperation," Suffolk Family Court Judge David Freundlich told the feuding duo in court. "It makes life very, very good for your child."

For her part, Thompson, who ignited the custody battle earlier this summer after accusing the rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, of somehow masterminding the fire that destroyed the Long Island home she and her son were occupying, said the deal was a good step for the family.

"Despite my feelings for Mr. Jackson, that's Marquise's dad," she said. "I want him to have a positive relationship with his dad."

Meanwhile, Thompson and Jackson haven't necessarily seen the last of each other in court.

The Suffolk County Arson Squad is still investigating the destruction of the $2.4 million home. They have already questioned Fiddy, who owned the home and was attempting to evict his baby mama and son, over the blaze.

The rapper has long and adamantly maintained his innocence and in June filed a $20 million defamation suit against his ex over the public accusation.