Judge to rule on guardianship of Michael Jackson's children

A Los Angeles judge is expected to name Michael Jackson's nephew, T.J. Jackson, as co-guardian of his three children Wednesday.

Tito Joe "T.J." Jackson, 34, is expected to share custody of the late pop singer's children -- Prince, 15; Paris, 14; and Blanket, 10 -- with Katherine Jackson.

His co-guardianship came at the request of Katherine Jackson and the children. He has helped raise the three since their father's 2009 death.

Diana Ross, named in Jackson's will as a backup guardian, met with the children in early August and approves of the arrangement, their attorney said.

The 82-year-old matriarch of the famous family sparked a public family feud when relatives reported her missing in July. Sheriff's deputies later closed the case after speaking with Katherine Jackson, determining she was at an Arizona spa with her children, including Janet and Jermaine Jackson.

Because of her disappearance, a Los Angeles County judge stripped her of custody, transferring temporary guardianship to T.J. Jackson.

Katherine Jackson denied being kidnapped and called the ruling "based on a bunch of lies." She was reappointed guardian in early August.

ALSO:

LL Cool J thwarts burglary attempt in Los Angeles home

SoCal temperatures expected to cool; slight chance of showers seen

Tony Scott death: Interviews yield no clear motive for plunge, sources say

-- Melissa Leu

Follow Melissa Leu on Twitter and Google+.

Photo: From left, Prince, Blanket and Paris Jackson. Credit: Tim Ireland / EPA