A hearing over the custody of Michael Jackson's children will take place in August

A custody battle over Michael Jackson's children could pit a grandmother's bond against a mother's biological link.

The late pop star's mother Katherine Jackson was granted temporary custody of Prince Michael, 12, Paris Michael, 11, and Prince Michael II, seven, at least until a court hearing in early August.

But Debbie Rowe, the mother of the two elder children, has indicated she would contest the ruling.

Some reports say Ms Rowe does want her children back. She gave up custody to Jackson following their divorce in 1999. But there remains debate as to whether she legally signed away full parental rights in doing so.

However, a lawyer for Ms Rowe - commenting on a decision to delay a guardianship hearing - further complicated matters by saying his client had not yet decided whether to seek custody.

The Jackson family earlier said they have not heard from Ms Rowe since Michael's death was announced. They also asserted their authority over the three children, stating that their wellbeing was the family's main priority.

Katherine was also named as guardian in a 2002 will, believed to be the last written by Jackson.

A judge has delayed a guardianship hearing for the children at the request of attorneys for the singer's mother and his ex-wife.

The hearing had been scheduled for Monday but records show attorneys for Katherine Jackson and Rowe asked for the hearing to be delayed until July 13.