Monday, March 10, 2008

Judge Rules: Britney Gets $1,500 Allowance

The following italicized article is from www.people.com:

Britney Spears is getting an allowance.

The pop star, who is worth an estimated $100 million, has been approved for a $1,500-a-week allowance on a debit card, Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Reva Goetz ruled Monday.

In contrast, a probate commissioner hired two specialist attorneys to help the singer and her lawyers sort out her affairs while Spears is under a temporary co-conservatorship.

One, Jorge Hernandez, will get a $25,000 retainer to be an around-the-clock consultant on all questions pertaining to the co-conservatorship. The other, lawyer Tom Hansen, will receive $15,000 a month for his services as an entertainment lawyer consulting on Spears's entertainment deals and contracts.

The ruling comes the same day as a separate hearing in which lawyers for Spears said that her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, should take responsibility for some of his legal bills in the former couple's ongoing custody battle.

The question of who will pay the legal fees "is under submission," according to court spokesman Allan Parachini. "When the judge will rule, I don't know."

Source: People

Brit’s Fox Visit

The following italicized article is from www.jfxonline.com:

I just got pics of Britney from this morning, as she headed over to Fox Studios. As I said in my earlier post, she is to guest star on the CBS series How I Met Your Mother. She looked like she was in good spirits, doesn’t she? I’m sure she’s excited about getting back on TV. Good times! As her dad and ex, Kevin Federline, were meeting up in court this morning, Brit was on her way to the beginning of her comeback. Yes, that was cheesy and dramatic, but at least these are pics of her heading over to Fox Studios and not to UCLA Medical Center. Double good times.

See more pics here!

Source: JFX Online

Britney to Get an Allowance

The following italicized article is from www.pagesix.com:

Jamie Spears, Britney's dad and conservator, told the court today that he would like to give the singer a debit card, loaded with $1,500 per week. The amount, $1,000 less than he himself will be making as conservator, is to give Brit more freedom.

The 26-year-old mom exercised her freedom to not attend today's hearing, despite the advice of her appointed attorney Samuel Ingham and the court's assurances of security. Ingham told the court that while Britney did not object to the hearing, she did object to elements of it.

Source: Page Six

Britney: Don't Leave Home Without It!

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

A judge just ruled that Jamie Spears can give Britney a debit/credit card to use that has a $1,500 per week limit on it.

Jamie's lawyer, Geraldine Wyle, said it was "so she can spend money, have her freedom, and make choices about how she wants to enjoy her life."

Britney had the choice to appear at the hearing today -- but ultimately decided being on the set of "How I Met Your Mother" was the way to go.

Source: TMZ

On The Comeback Trail

Britney Spears is scheduled to appear as a guest star on the CBS show How I Met Your Mother.

And that's a good thing!

Look out for BritBrit in the 14th episode of the season.

It's so good to hear that she is getting it together!!

Brit's scenes will reportedly be with the show's lead character, Ted.

An insider revealed that the most likely role for Britney in that episode is "Abby," a girl who works in Ted's doctor's office. She's described as "sweet and friendly and scattered and a little nerdy—a female Michael Cera."

(Her film) Crossroads sucked, but her appearance on Will & Grace was cute. Plus, any work and return to normalcy for her is a good thing. A very good thing.

Source: Perez Hilton

Poll Closed!

This weeks poll has closed. Here are the results:Stay tuned for an all new pol comming soon!

Britney's About to "Meet My Mother"

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

TMZ has learned that Britney Spears is prepping for a small guest part on CBS's hit "How I Met Your Mother."

Our sources tell us that Brit's agent Jason Trawick from William Morris made the deal with producers on the show. One source called it "a small legitimate project that will keep her busy doing something." We're told it's not long term and her dad -- her conservator -- is down with it and has signed off.

Pink is the New Blog, who first reported the story, says Brit Brit is scheduled to appear on an upcoming episode. TMZ caught her arriving at the FOX lot.

"How I Met Your Mother" is a CBS show produced by FOX. The show is "on the bubble" a biz term for getting 86'd and producers think this is just the gimmick they need.

A source on the show tells TMZ the critical darling is not about to be canceled and is returning to the air next Monday.

Stay tuned ...

Source: TMZ

Britney to Guest Star on How I Met Your Mother!

The following italicized article is from www.people.com:

Suit up, Britney Spears! The pop star is heading back to TV, scoring a guest role on CBS’s How I Met Your Mother, a rep for the show confirms to PEOPLE.

According to TMZ, which first reported the news, Spears’s father and conservator, Jamie, has given his daughter permission to appear on the sitcom since it will not be a long-term or continuous role.

The pop star is no stranger to television comedies: In April 2006, Britney appeared on an episode of NBC’s Will & Grace playing a conservative talk show host alongside Sean Hayes’s flamboyant character, Jack.

Spears and ex Kevin Federline also enjoyed a brief run on TV with their reality show Britney & Kevin: Chaotic.

Source: People

BREAKING: Britney Spears To Return To TV

OMG ... I am dying y'all! I just found out from a source that Britney Spears is scheduled to appear on an upcoming episode of the hit CBS show How I Met Your Mother. I was just informed that Britney showed up at the FOX Studios lot this morning with only her agent in tow to sit down with the cast of the show for the episode read-thru. I'm told she was "really funny", "very professional" and that the character might become a recurring character on the show. Additionally, most of her scenes are with the Ted Mosby character played by Josh Radnor. This episode of How I Met Your Mother is the third of the new eps that have been written since the show came back from the Writer's Strike hiatus and since the first new ep airs next week it may air three weeks after that (the week of April 7th).Soooo ... unless something happens and the whole thing falls thru, we should be seeing Brit Brit back on the small screen very soon! OMG I'm dying!!! I can't think of a more positive move on Brit Brit's part ... How I Met Your Mother is the *perfect* show for her to prove that she's still got it -- they should rename it How I Met Your Mama for the occasion. I am so exciting ... I can barely stand it :)

Source: Pink Is The New Blog

Britney's Lawyer Questions K-Fed's Spending

The following italicized article is from www.people.com:

Kevin Federline can afford to "take responsibility" for some of his own legal fees, an attorney for Britney Spears said in court Monday.

The pop star's lawyer, Stacy Phillips, asked Federline to contribute to his own legal bills in the former couple's ongoing custody case. Citing Federline's tip of $2,000 on a recent $365 dining tab, Phillips contended that Federline can afford to help pay "for the diligent work being done on his behalf."

Currently Spears is responsible for paying her ex-husband's legal fees, including $500,000 owed to Federline's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan.

Phillips further argued that it was inappropriate for Kaplan and his partner to have increased their hourly rate to $600 an hour. Kaplan countered that Phillips charges $700 an hour.

"Mr. Federline is doing things that will substantially increase the revenue he can have," Kaplan said in court. "Everything done by our side was done by Mr. Federline to protect his children from a very dangerous and very fluid situation."

The question of who will pay the legal fees "is under submission," according to court spokesman Allan Parachini. "When the judge will rule I don't know."

Federline and his former father-in-law, Jamie Spears, who is serving as Britney's temporary co-conservator, both answered questions during the hearing. Despite the dispute between the two sides, the pair – who played golf together over the weekend – appeared to be on friendly terms, chatting in court while waiting for the judge to arrive.

Source: People

Britney Spears' Lawyer: K-Fed Can Pay His Own Legal Fees

The following italicized article is from www.usmagazine.com:

A lawyer for Britney Spears argued in L.A. court Monday that the singer's ex Kevin Federline should pay his own legal fees.

The court had previously ruled that Spears, 27, has to pay Federline's counsel Mark Vincent Kaplan "reasonable" attorney's fees.

But her attorney Stacy Phillips told a Los Angeles court commissioner that the singer currently pays Kaplan $500,000 when he is only entitled to $150,000 to $175,000.

Federline, 29, Phillips said, should foot the bill. She mentioned how the rapper once tipped $2,000 on a $365 bill while out dining.

"If he is willing to tip someone $2,000, then he should be willing to pay the lawyer bills," Phillips said. "Mr. Federline needs to take responsibility for the very diligent work they do on his behalf."

Kaplan, meanwhile, argued that he is worth the price due to the complicated nature of the custody case.

"Our fees for the experience and expertise for the practice level are far under market for the package you get when you hire me," he said. "This is not a simple custody case."

Both Federline and Spears' father (and co-conservator) Jamie — who went golfing together over the weekend — were present for the hearing.

"Mr. Federline answered two or three questions very cryptically and Jamie Spears was a little more elaborate," court spokesperson Allan Parachini said in a statement.

"The judge has taken the fees arguments under consideration."

Source: US Weekly

Commish to Brit - I'll Get Back to You on That

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

Commissioner Scott Gordon has decided he wants to take some time to rule on the battle over attorneys fees, saying he will take it all under submission.

The commish did rule on visitation -- no changes were made.

K-Fed was in attendance for the hearing, answering just a couple of questions, giving brief answers.

The next hearing on custody is scheduled for May 6.

Source: TMZ

JFXclusive! Britney And Adnan, The Pictures!

The following italicized article is from www.jfxonline.com:

It’s been over a month since we’ve seen Britney and Adnan together, leading many to speculate the two were finished. These pics should lay to rest much of the rumors of their breakup but unfortunately, it seems that lots of people out there will continue to run those rumors. Our guys caught Britney and Adnan as they exited The Summit but when they saw our photographers near the gate, Britney, who was driving Adnan’s car, pulled a quick U-turn back into The Summit. Fortunately, Uli and Jonzo were having a smoke and checking out their pictures of Adnan arriving at The Summit and stayed just long enough to catch the couple slipping in and out of The Summit.

See more pics here!

Source: JFX Online

Britney's Lawyer: "Ms. Spears is Not a Checkbook"

The following italicized article is from www.pagesix.com:

The gloves came off in an L.A. court with Britney Spears' lawyer arguing with Kevin Federline's lawyer over skyrocketing legal fees arising from the former couple's bitter custody battle.

Britney Spears' new lawyer Stacy Phillips argued that K-Fed's lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan's fees are excessive, saying that four months of fees for both sides add up to a whopping $900,000. Additionally, she argued that Kevin has the ability to pay for his own lawyer (the current agreement stipulates that Britney Spears pays for all of her ex-husband's legal fees), saying, "Ms. Spears is not an open checkbook."

After the Phillips said that Kaplan's fees should be in the "$150,000-$175,000 range," she attacked Kevin, saying he has not separated his personal and business expenses, and revealed that his ex-girlfriend Shar Jackson has use of his business credit card and is using it for personal purposes. She went on to say that K-Fed recently spent $20,000 on jewelry, went out to dinner and paid a $2000 tip on a $300 bill.

Source: Page Six

K-Fed & Jamie Spears Play Nice

The following italicized article is from www.ok-magazine.com:

In a move that surprised many onlookers Monday morning, Britney Spears' ex-husband Kevin Federline actually shook the hand of his former father-in-law Jamie Spears, as the two met and chatted casually before the latest in a seemingly neverending string of hearings regarding the custody of K-Fed and Britney's two boys, Sean Preston and Jayden James.

While Kevin and Jamie have never been the best of buddies, insiders say that the recent decision to allow Brit to see the boys several times a week has eased a little of the tension caused by the nasty divorce and bitter custody war.However, inside today's custody hearing, the mood is a little less than friendly, as Jamie and Brit's newest legal eagle, divorce diva Stacy Phillips, are disputing the sky-high legal bills being presented by both Kevin's lawyer, Mark Vincent Kaplan, and Britney's former lawyers at the firm of Trope & Trope.

Under court order, Britney is to foot the majority of Kevin's legal bills in the case, which to date total around $500,000. And the folks at Trope are claiming invoices in the area of $600,000. Case insiders tell OK! that Kaplan is likely to argue that his expenses are so exorbitant because of the number of unscheduled hearings called by Trope & Trope. According to the source, it was Trope who called seven of the nine hearings.

And this afternoon, Jamie is back in court for more in that other bit of Britney business — the conservatorship. Stay tuned for details.

Source: OK Magazine

Brit Wants K-Fed to Pull His Load (insert joke)

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

The lawyer for the Brit conservatorship is arguing as we speak to slash the legal bill of K-Daddy and is asking the judge to make Federleze pay at least a portion of the bill himself.

Stacy Phillips told Commissioner Scott Gordon that Kaplan is entitled to $150,000 -- $175,000 tops -- for his legal bills over the last four months. Kaplan told the Commish he wants between $400,000 and $500,000.

Phillips argued K-Fed is not that poor so Brit has to pay his bills (The court has already ordered Brit to pay Kevin's "reasonable" attorney's fees). Phillips noted K-Fed goes to parties and throws around $2,000 tips. He has spent $20,000 in jewelry and uses his credit card like a motha.

Kaplan told the judge he and his partner, Jim Simon, bill around $600 an hour, claiming, "I believe we are under market for the package you get when you hire our firm." Phillips blanched, claiming it was totally unnecessary for both lawyers to attend all the court hearings.

The judge just threw reporters out of the courtroom and closed the hearing.

Stay tuned

Source: TMZ

K-Fed and Jamie Spears Chat Inside Court

The following italicized article is from www.pagesix.com:

Kevin Federline and Jamie Spears (the conservator for daughter Britney) are back in an L.A. court today for another custody hearing. The pair played golf together over the weekend and were chatting and smiling with each other before the hearing. Jamie arrived at the court house with two briefcases, while Kevin was wearing a suit and a pinkie ring.

Today's proceedings are expected to deal with a disputed invoice given to K-Fed by his lawyer, Mark Vincent Kaplan. As part of an earlier agreement in the prolonged custody battle between K-Fed and Britney, Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Scott Gordon ruled that Britney would cover all of her ex-husband's legal bills.

Jamie has disputed a $500,000 bill from Kaplan, and will also be disputing a $600,000 bill from Britney's former attorney Sorrel Trope. New attorney Stacy Phillips is representing Jamie.

Source: Page Six

Kevin Federline, Jamie Spears Arrive at Court

The following italicized article is from www.usmagazine.com:

Following their weekend golf outing, Britney Spears' father Jamie and Kevin Federline reunited at Los Angeles Superior Court this morning for another custody hearing.

According to TMZ.com, Britney's new custody attorney, Stacy Phillips, will argue that Federline's attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, is charging the singer too much (his last bill: $500,000). The court had previously ruled that Spears has to pay Kaplan "reasonable" attorney's fees.

Phillips will also dispute a $600,000 tab from Spears' previous attorney of the firm Trope and Trope.

Jamie's role as his daughter's co-conservator was recently extended until July 31.

Source: US Weekly

Kevin Federline & Britney's Dad Chat at Court

The following italicized article is from www.people.com:

Two days after hitting the links with Jamie Spears, Kevin Federline arrived in court Monday for a hearing over legal fees in his custody battle with Britney Spears.

Still sporting a Mohawk, and wearing a dark gray suit, Federline arrived looking trim. Seated in the front row of the courtroom, he chatted with Jamie Spears, who was in the second row, as they waited for the judge to take the bench.

According to a source, Britney's new custody attorney, Stacy Phillips, plans to dispute a $500,000 tab from Federline's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan – which Spears was ordered by the court to pay – as well as a $600,000 bill from the law firm of Trope & Trope, who previously represented her in the custody case.

In the afternoon, attorneys representing Jamie Spears, who is serving as temporary co-conservator for his troubled daughter, will appear before a probate court commissioner to discuss a timetable for updates on her psychiatric condition.

Source: People

Britney/Shakespeare -- Kill Lawyers

The following italicized article is from www.tmz.com:

In a stunning development, Britney Spears and Bill Shakespeare have something in common -- they both want to kill all the lawyers.

The custody case is back in court this morning, and Brit's lawyer will make a frontal attack on the lawyers on both sides of the case. We know the firm that just quit the case -- Trope and Trope -- has billed Brit more than $600,000 in legal fees over the last five months they repped her. And K-Daddy's lawyer, Mark Vincent Kaplan, has billed half a mil over the last four months. The court has already ruled Brit has to pay MVK's "reasonable" attorney's fees.

We're told it's going to get hot in court. There's been a theory for a long time -- some divorce lawyers use the pain of a split to fleece clients and keep the dispute alive when it should be settled. Whether true or not in this case, we're told that's what Brit's lawyer will argue.

One of the points will be that multiple lawyers on both sides have appeared for every hearing and it's just to jack up the bill.

Stay tuned ...

Source: TMZ

Britney's Dad Due in Court Over

The following italicized article is from www.people.com:

Britney Spears's father, Jamie Spears, is expected to join attorneys appearing before a Los Angeles family law judge on Monday, to complain that the lawyer for her ex, Kevin Federline, has overcharged the pop star.

Sources say Britney's new custody attorney, Stacy Phillips, will dispute a $500,000 tab from K-Fed attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan, as well as a $600,000 bill from Britney's previous custody attorney, Sorrell Trope.

The main agenda item, however, will be the invoice from Kaplan, who, according to sources, was deposed on the matter last week, as was Kaplan's former spokesman.

Elliot Mintz, a new spokesman for Kaplan, declined to comment until after Monday's hearing before Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Scott Gordon.

In the afternoon, attorneys representing Jamie Spears, who is also serving as temporary co-conservator for his troubled daughter, will appear before a probate court commissioner to discuss a timetable for updates on her psychiatric condition.

Last week, the commissioner extended the temporary co-conservatorship until July 31, but sources say Britney could regain control of her finances sooner should she continue to respond well to treatment.

Source: People

UK Chart Update For Week Ending March 10th

In the official singles chart 'Piece Of Me' drops 10 places to #24 after 16 weeks on the chart.

In the official album chart 'Blackout' drops 4 places to #59 this week.

Source: Break The Nice

Mediabase Chart Update!

'Break The Ice' is currently at #39 on Mediabase with 883 spins and 9.882 million listeners!

Click here to vote for it on your local radio station!

Source: Break The Nice