LOS ANGELES - The family squabble over the guardianship of Michael Jackson's three children came to a close as the singer's mother and nephew were granted a permanent co-guardianship, a Los Angeles judge ruled on Wednesday.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff decided to allow the late pop icon's mother Katherine and his nephew TJ Jackson to share the responsibility in looking after Prince, 15, Paris, 14, and Blanket, 10, who have been under the sole guardianship of their grandmother since Jackson's death in June 2009.

Katherine, 82, was removed from the position last month in the wake of a heated family saga, when she was absent from the children and unreachable for 10 days. She was later reported to be in Arizona for a mysterious visit.

TJ Jackson, 34, Michael Jackson's nephew, was named as the temporary custodian since the accident.

"It's clear to me the children have a very strong, loving relationship with TJ Jackson," Beckloff said.

Katherine's lawyer Sandra Ribera said her client welcomed the new arrangement.

Jackson died on Jun 25, 2009 of acute Propofol intoxication at the age of 50.