Michael Jackson’s nephew TJ has been named as permanent co-guardian of his three children, a position he will share with the singer’s mother Katherine, a judge in Los Angeles has ruled.

The decision brought to an end the latest drama to disrupt the Jackson family since the pop star’s sudden death in June 2009 at 50 from an overdose of the powerful anaesthetic propofol.

“It’s clear to me the children have a very strong, loving relationship with T.J. Jackson,” said Los Angeles Superior Court judge Mitchell Beckloff.

Katherine Jackson, 82, had been the sole guardian of 15-year-old Prince Michael, Paris, 14 and Blanket, 10, since Jackson’s unexpected death.

T.J. Jackson, the 34-year-old son of Michael’s brother Tito, was named temporary co-guardian of the children last month, due to Katherine’s prolonged absence from her California home, during which time she did not contact them.

The family matriarch was found to be resting at a spa in Arizona.