Michael Jackson memorial likely Tuesday

By Alex Dobuzinskis

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A public memorial for Michael Jackson is expected Tuesday in Los Angeles, a venue official said, as a lawyer for the pop star's ex-wife said she hasn't decided whether to fight for custody of their children.

Randy Phillips, chief executive of concert promoter AEG Live, told reporters on Thursday Jackson's much-anticipated memorial was being planned for the rock concert and sporting venue, the Staples Centre, in downtown Los Angeles.

Phillips said the memorial would probably be held on Tuesday but Jackson's mother had not made a final decision.

"They (the family) want to have it at Staples Centre. The question is when," Phillips said.

AEG Live is part of a group of companies that controls events at the Staples Center. Phillips said details of the memorial in the 20,000-seat indoor arena were still being discussed but fans would not be charged for tickets.

Jackson's death on June 25 after suffering cardiac arrest at his rented Los Angeles mansion has provoked worldwide tributes from fans and musicians and sent many of his records back into the top of music charts.

Meanwhile Debbie Rowe -- the mother of Jackson's two eldest children, Prince Michael Jackson Jr. 12, and Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11 -- appeared to set the stage for a legal tussle with Jackson's parents over their future.

"I want my children," Rowe was quoted as telling NBC4 television in Los Angeles.