Britney Spears’ Dad to Remain in Control

By: Shannon Gossage

Jamie Spears, 56, was named temporary conservator of his daughter’s affairs in January after she was hospitalized twice in January. On Thursday, Jamie’s conservatorship was extended until December 31. Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Reva Goetz said after the hearing, "Ms. Spears is reluctantly agreeing to extend temporary [conservatorship]." Goetz also said that it is entirely possible that the conservatorship could be "terminated earlier." The next court date will be a status hearing in October.

Jamie’s influence on his daughter has had a very positive effect. She had lost custody and visitation rights with her sons Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 23 months. Since her father has been in charge of her affairs, Spears has regained visitation and she and ex-husband Kevin Federline have even come to a custody agreement after 18-months of bitter battle. Federline’s attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan credited Spears’ father for getting her back together with her kids. Kaplan said that without her father’s influence a reunion with her kids "couldn’t have happened." Kaplan added, "We’re very positive about it. Having her dad stabilizing everything is a good thing."

In other Britney news, she decided not to renew a restraining order against her former manager Sam Lufti. In February, a restraining order against Lufti was put into effect. In April, an extension was granted to the family. Even though the family will not seek another extension, Spears does not want anything to do with Lufti. Her lawyer released a statement that read, "Britney has made clear to everyone that she does not want to be further harassed or contacted in any way by Osama ‘Sam’ Lufti, now or at any time in the future."