Spears Allows Lutfi Restraining Order Lifted

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

The Spears family's temporary restraining order against Sam Lutfi is set to expire later today. Which means Britney's onetime constant companion is now free...to continue maintaining his distance from the star.

"It's done," a source close to Lutfi told E! News of the already twice-renewed order. "They are dropping it."

The order, which has been in place since February, when Spears' parents claimed he "drugged" Britney and otherwise "purported to take control of her life, home and finances," officially runs out at 1:30 p.m. PT.

Jamie Spears, Britney's father and continuing conservator, opted not to renew the order, deeming it no longer necessary thanks to his daughter's renewed mental clarity.

"Britney has made clear to everyone that she does not want to be further harassed or contacted in any way by Osama 'Sam' Lutfi, now or anytime in the future," said Samuel D. Ingham III, the singer's court-appointed attorney.

However, should she not have made herself clear enough, the Spears clan, restraining order or not, still have the upper legal hand in the situation.

Despite insistence by a Lutfi insider earlier this month that the singer's ex-manager would refuse to sign another restraining order extension, Jamie Spears remains in charge of who is allowed to see Britney in his role as conservator of his daughter's estate.

At least one person has come to Lutfi's public defense.

Michael Sands, the former spokesman for Kevin Federline's divorce attorney turned former spokesman for Lutfi, told E! News that Lutfi is "a good guy but was made to be the tabloid villain."

"He's glad that she is doing well and getting along with her family. Everything will work out; it will be fine and what will be, will be!"

A source close to Lutfi seconded that notion, telling E! News that Spears' former pal "only wishes the best for her, her parents and her sons.

"He has always been supportive of Britney and has never tried to capitalize on their personal relationship. He was never in a position to control."

Source: E! Online

Britney's Dad to Remain in Control for Rest of the Year

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

Britney Spears's father will remain in legal control of his daughter until Dec. 31, a court ruled Thursday.

Jamie Spears, 56, was named temporary conservator of her affairs on Feb. 1 following his 26-year-old daughter's two forced hospitalizations in January. "The extension of the conservatorship was at the request and suggestion of Britney's doctors," says a source close to the singer. "They've indicated she's made great improvement, but it's a work in progress. Jamie Spears doesn't want the conservatorship to last a day longer than the doctors recommend."

Jamie has sole authority over whom his daughter has contact with, and has hired security guards to watch her 24 hours a day. He shares control with another lawyer over her multimillion-dollar estate.

A progress review of the case was set for Oct. 28.

Earlier Thursday, Spears's court-appointed attorney, Samuel D. Ingham III, told the Associated Press that he wouldn't seek to extend the restraining order against the singer's one-time pal Sam Lutfi, because Spears has cut all ties with Lutfi anyway.

Ingham also said that the restraining order is no longer necessary because Jamie can legally control whom his daughter sees: "During the temporary conservatorship, the conservators have the power to insure that Lutfi will not harm Britney anymore."

Source: People

Brit: A Free Woman for Holloween

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

We're now told everyone in the Brit conservatorship is on board to end the whole deal on October 28.

In court today, the judge extended the conservatorship until the end of the year, but set a hearing on October 28. We're told daddy Jamie is following the lead of the doctors, who are saying they think the 28th is a reasonable time to end the conservatorship. Brit is cool with that as well, though the judge said she agreed ... "reluctantly."

We're told between now and October 28, the goal is to gradually ween Brit off being managed so tightly so she can get back to life.

Source: TMZ

BREAKING NEWS: Britney Spears Under Dad's Control Until December 31

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

Britney Spears will be under the conservatorship of her father Jamie until December 31, it was decided in court Thursday.

"Ms. Spears is reluctantly agreeing to extend the temporary [conservatorship]," L.A. Superior Court Commissioner Reva Goetz said after the hearing.

The commissioner also said Jamie's conservatorship could be "terminated earlier." A status hearing was set for October 28.

Jamie and attorney Andrew Wallet were put in control of the pop singer's finances and estate in February after she was hospitalized in January.

While Jamie was not spotted at the courthouse Thursday, Britney's brother Bryan was. When asked by Usmagazine.com if he had a comment, he shook his head.

Since Spears' father was put in charge, she has reunited with her sons, Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 22 months.

Kevin Federline's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan told Usmagazine.com that a reunion "couldn't have happened without" the help of Spears' father.

"We were able to get it to a point where everyone was comfortable,” Kaplan told Us.

“We’re just very positive about it," he said. "Having her dad stabilizing everything is a good thing."

Source: Us Weekly

Britney's Conservatorship Extended

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

In a move predicted by most people who have been following the life of pop superstar Britney Spears, it was announced today that the singer has "reluctantly agreed" to the extension of her father's conservatorship over her financial, legal and personal matters. This latest extension could keep Jamie Spears in charge through Dec. 31."In regard to the conservatorship of the person, it is my understanding that Ms. Spears reluctantly agreed to extend the temporary letters to Dec. 31, 2008," said court commissioner Reva Goetz after this morning's hearings. "Those orders could be terminated earlier. A status hearing is acheduled for Oct. 28."

The conservatorship has been in place since Britney's hospitalization in February, after which a court sided with Jamie that his daughter was temporarily unable to make sound decisions regarding her finances and her life in general.

Also discussed in court today was the issue of fees Britney owes to her various lawyers. It was agreed that she is to make a partial payment of just under $200,000 in attorney fees to the lawyers representing her trust, her estate and her person. Another hearing is slated for Aug. 14 to discuss legal fees for Stacey Phillips and Laura Wasser, two of her lawyers in her just-ended custody battle, and her brother Bryan Spears, who was named a c0-trustee over her assets.

Source: OK Magazine

Los Angeles court extends James Spears' conservatorship over Britney until the end of 2008

The following italicized article is from www.associatedpress.org:

Britney Spears' father will retain control of the pop singer's finances and personal affairs through the end of the year. Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Reva Goetz extended James Spears' conservatorship over his daughter Thursday morning until the end of 2008.

Goetz opened the hearing by saying the singer "reluctantly agreed" to extend the arrangement, and scheduled an update hearing for October.

The pop singer's father assumed control over her personal life and finances earlier this year after a series of high-profile incidents of erratic behavior that twice led to her being hospitalized.

Spears has since shown signs of improvement, settling a custody dispute with Kevin Federline, making successful TV cameos and working on an album this summer.

Neither Spears or her father appeared in court Thursday.

Source: Associated Press

Britney’s Conservatorship Extended

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

Britney Spears’ conservatorship has been extended through the end of the year, Access Hollywood has learned.

Britney Spears’ legal team, minus the pop star, was back in court Thursday at Los Angeles Superior Court for a hearing concerning her temporary conservatorship.

A little over two hours after the hearing began, Commissioner Reva Goetz announced that Spears’ conservatorship would continue through the end of the year.

“Ms. Spears is reluctantly agreeing to an extension of the temporary letters to Dec. 31, 2008,” Goetz said.

As a result of the ruling, Britney’s father, Jamie Spears, will retain control over Britney’s personal life and finances.

A status hearing is scheduled for Oct. 28, where the conservatorship will once again be reviewed and could be terminated early.

In other Britney-related court matters, at 1:30 PM today, the court will address the restraining order against Britney’s former manger, Sam Lutfi.

Source: Access Hollywood

Britney's Still a Daddy's Girl

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

The court hearing has ended and Britney Spears is still officially under the control of daddy Jamie. The court has extended the conservatorship through December 31.

There's a status hearing on October 28, just in time for Halloween! The judge is leaving the option open to end the conservatorship early.

Just as we said yesterday!

Source: TMZ

Brit Commish: "Britney Reluctantly Agrees To Extend Conservatorship"

The following italicized article is from www.x17online.com:

Britney Spears has "reluctantly" agreed to extend her father's conservatorship!

Following the conclusion of this morning's hearing Commissioner Reva Goetz granted Jamie Spears six additional months of conservatorship over his daughter. "Miss Spears has reluctantly agreed that we extend," he told reporters.

All elements of the conservatorship (including control over Britney's estate, trust, and personal life) are now set to expire on December 31st, with an additional court date on October 28th for the courts to check up on Britney's progress. No decision about the conservatorship becoming permanent will be made before then.

This morning's hearing also dealt with payments, as all lawyers collected their paychecks. Britney's brother Bryan also sought a payment for an unspecified service, but Commissioner

Goetz deferred discussing Bryan's payment until a later date.

Well, it's a shame that Britney wasn't be given full control of her life back - but if she keeps making the kind of progress under Jamie she's been making, this could turn out to be a blessing in disguise!

Source: X17

Courthouse Update - Britney's Brother's There!

The following italicized article is from www.x17online.com:

Britney Spears might not have to appear in court today - but her brother Bryan's happy to swing by on her behalf!

Our reporter just told us that Brit's brother Bryan turned up at court with a young lady on his arm. Sounds like Bryan's got a court date of his own!

Source: X17

Britney Conservatorship Hearing in Full Swing

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

Britney Spears' days of media-deluged court appearances may be behind her, but it's not quite case closed for the pop star.

Attorneys for the singer are currently meeting in the chambers of Court Commissioner Reva Goetz at the Los Angeles Superior Courthouse to discuss either extending or terminating her father's current conservatorship over her estate.

While neither Spears nor papa Jamie are present for the session, her brother Bryan Spears, a cotrustee of Britney's assets, is in the courtroom.

As yet, there's no word on the outcome of today's closed-door hearing, though sources told E! News just yesterday that despite rumors the 26-year-old could regain control of her estate after today, the conservatorship is unlikely to be dissolved until the end of the year, with Goetz expected to extend the order.

Attorneys for Jamie Spears, largely if not wholly credited with his daughter's personal and professional resuscitation, are expected to request the extension to last through later this fall.

Also on the docket for today's hearing is the Spears family's temporary restraining order over Sam Lutfi.

Sources told E! News this week that the Spears patriarch was unlikely to attempt to make the order against Lutfi permanent—not that he is welcome in the Spears family's life.

Should Jamie's conservatorship get extended, the restraining order would be redundant since he, as acting conservator, is already well within his power—restraining order or not—to determine who gets one-on-one time with Britney.

Source: E! Online

Lawyer: Britney Spears Doesn't Want Sam Lutfi In Her Life

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

Britney Spears's restraining order against one-time pal Sam Lutfi may have been temporary, but their friendship is permanently over.

The pop star's court-appointed attorney, Samuel D. Ingham III, told the Associated Press that he will not seek to extend the restraining order in court on Thursday – because Spears has cut all ties with Lutfi anyway.

"Britney has made clear to everyone," Ingham said, "that she does not want to be further harassed or contacted in any way by Osama 'Sam' Lutfi, now or at anytime in the future."

Lutfi has been out of Spears's life since February, when her father, Jamie, was granted legal control of her affairs as temporary conservator. (At the time, Britney's mother, Lynne, accused Lutfi of drugging the singer.)

According to Ingham, the restraining order is no longer necessary because Jamie can legally control whom Britney, 26, sees: "During the temporary conservatorship, the conservators have the power to insure that Lutfi will not harm Britney anymore."

Lutfi, it seems, will abide by the Spears family's wishes. He said in his own statement to the AP, "Mr. Lutfi and Mr. Spears have mutually agreed in private that no hearing or order is necessary at this time."

Ingham added that once Britney regains control of her life, she will continue to keep Lutfi out of it. "If Mr. Lutfi makes any future attempt to contact Britney after the temporary conservatorship has concluded," he said, "Britney has made clear she will take all appropriate legal action."

Lawyers for Jamie Spears are expected in court Thursday for a review of the conservatorship.

Source: People

Brit's Bodyman Becomes Her Mexi-Man

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

So we spotted Britney Spears in Cabo looking awfully cozy a few days ago with a mystery man.

It turns out it might be her bodyguard, reports the Sun, a guy named Lee who's a former Israeli soldier. He's worked for Brit for the past six months, says the tab, and one source says that the pair "hit it off immediately ... He is her perfect type.

As we reported yesterday, Britney's conservatorship will be up for discussion today in court ... but nothing's going to change.

Source: TMZ

Lawyer: Britney Wants No Contact With Sam Lutfi

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

An attorney for Britney Spears said Wednesday that he will not seek an extension for a restraining order against Osama "Sam" Lutfi, but that doesn't mean the pop star wants her former sidekick back in her life.

"Britney has made clear to everyone that she does not want to be further harassed or contacted in any way by Osama 'Sam' Lutfi, now or at anytime in the future," Spears' attorney Samuel D. Ingham III said in a statement to The Associated Press.

Lutfi, for the time being, seems willing to go along with those wishes.

He called the AP late Wednesday and released the following statement: "Mr. Lutfi and Mr. Spears have mutually agreed in private that no hearing or order is necessary at this time."

He declined further comment.

Source: ABC News

Britney Spears Beds Her Minder

The following italicized article is from www.thesun.co.uk:

BRITNEY SPEARS has fallen for one of her bodyguards — a former Israeli soldier.

The 26-year-old singer, battling to get her volatile private life back on track, is dating the tough guy named LEE.

He is the FOURTH member of staff dated by mum-of-two Britney, for whom he has worked full-time for the past six months.

Lee has been spending his days off by her side and has even started sleeping under the same roof at her Los Angeles home.

A source said: “Britney and Lee hit it off immediately.

“He is her perfect type. She loves guys who work out and he is in great shape from his days serving in the Israeli Army.

“He also has a few tattoos, which she loves. They’ve spent so much time together that one thing led to another and their relationship became physical.

“They are in Mexico together. They’ve been having a great time — Lee’s put a smile on her face.”

American-born Lee was snapped earlier this week dancing with Britney at the side of her Mexico hotel swimming pool.

The star has been making good progress improving her professional and private life.

She recently reached an amicable custody agreement with ex-husband KEVIN FEDERLINE, 30 — giving her more access to sons Sean Preston, two, and 22-month-old Jayden James.

She has also been working on a video for MADONNA’s forthcoming tour.

Britney has a habit of falling for men on her payroll, sharing a fling with ex-manager SAM LUTFI earlier this year.

Federline was a backing dancer and she even dated paparazzi ADNAN GHALIB, who was working with her setting up photos.

Her gardener had better beware.

Source: The Sun