A US judge says the parents of the so-called "internet twins" will not be granted custody of the girls.

The twins were adopted over the internet by Welsh couple, Judith and Alan Kilshaw, who said they paid a broker $12,000.

Parents Aaron and Tranda Wecker have been trying to seek custody of Kiara and Keyara, who are now 2-years-old. But judge Steven Ohmer says the children will remain in the temporary legal custody of the state.

The twins are living with foster parents, and Ohmer plans to hold additional hearings over the next several months to decide on a permanent home for the twins.