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A judge has appointed Michael Jackson's nephew TJ a permanent co-guardian of the pop star's three children.

During a hearing Wednesday in Los Angeles, Judge Mitchell Beckloff named TJ -- the 34-year-old son of Michael's brother Tito -- co-guardian of Paris, 14, Prince Michael, 15, and Blanket, 10.

RELATED: Katherine Jackson Back as Guardian to MJ's Kids

TJ Jackson has been sharing responsibilities for the children with their grandmother, Katherine Jackson, since being appointed a temporary guardian last month. TJ was reportedly already playing a role in helping Katherine raise the children since the music superstar's death in June 2009.

RELATED: Katherine Jackson: Calls to MJ's Kids Were Blocked

Katherine was temporarily removed as the children's guardian last month because she had been away from her California home and hadn't spoken with the children for several days while on a trip to Arizona. She was reinstated as guardian the next week after a judge said an investigation found that she had been doing a good job with the children and that they loved her.

RELATED: Randy, Janet & More Banned From Jackson Home

The recent guardianship changes came amid drama in the Jackson family stemming from a dispute over the late pop superstar's will and the management of his lucrative estate.