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The following italicized article is from www.accesshollywood.com:Britney Spears asked for her former manager, Osama “Sam” Lutfi, to be jailed, a former attorney for the pop star’s father said in a Los Angeles courtroom earlier today. Jamie Spears has been seeking a permanent restraining order for his daughter against Lutfi, and the hearing in Los Angeles, which saw testimony from Jamie’s former attorney, Blair Berk, was at the request of his current counsel. According to City News Service, Berk recounted the pop star’s request regarding Lutfi to the court. “She repeatedly asked if I could get him arrested for what he’d done to her and get the court to order him to stay away from her,” Berk said, according to CNS. Berk also reportedly claimed Lutfi threatened to release embarrassing information about the pop star and her dad if Berk did not stop such information being released about him. Additionally, Berk spoke about Britney Spears’ lack of relationship with attorney Jon Eardley, who once challenged the conservatorship Britney is currently under. Berk testified that the pop star previously told her she did not know Eardley and she did not want him as her lawyer. Lutfi’s lawyers claim there is no evidence that proves he caused Britney Spears emotional distress, according to CNS. They are fighting the restraining order.Source: Access Hollywood
The following italicized article is from www.dailymail.co.uk:Britney Spears engaged in a spot of horseplay this weekend.No, the recovering pop starlet was not getting into a scuffle with photographers again.In fact the 26-year-old was a guest at a charity Polo match in Los Angeles.Sporting wavy hair and large-rimmed sun glasses, Britney looked the picture of elegance at the Polo in the Palisades event at the Will Rogers Polo Club.With the perfect polo poise, the Toxic star showed of her honed figure in a skin-tight blue top and casual jeans.The singer was accompanied by father Jamie at the event which had a team playing called the Spears Family.It was sponsored by the Promises Foundation - a LA-based charity which helps Miriam's House, a home for recovering mothers and their children.During the polo match Britney posed with fellow guest Blair Berk, a criminal defence attorney.Source: Daily Mail
The following italicized article is from www.ok-magazine.com:Britney Spears, her mother Lynne Spears and legal friend Blair Berk were expected to attend the final hearing in Brit's custody case on Tuesday before her five-day trial begins on August 25. But now OK! has confirmed that the hearing has been delayed until Friday.The reason? Kevin Federline's attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, says he needs the time to prepare. "It was my idea to delay it for a day," Kaplan told OK! on Monday. "But the next available day for Wasser and I was Friday, simple as that. I think I will know better what is needed to go to trial then, than I do now."Kaplan says the delay has nothing to do with any kind of settlement. "It's more for technical reasons in a complicated case like this," he told OK!. The door is open if [Laura] Wasser and Blair Berk want to walk through it, but there is no delay because of an impending settlement."A previous mediation to settle Brit's custody case failed, leaving K-Fed's option for sole legal and physical custody of their two sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, on the table.Court insiders have speculated that the singer could request further mediation to avoid going to trial, and in the meantime may ask for more visitation. Meanwhile, Kevin and his lawyers are moving full steam ahead in order to win permanent full custody."I'm preparing to go to trial until I don't have a reason to go to trial," Kaplan told OK! on Monday. Source: OK Magazine
Earlier today Britney Spears, armed with her once-estranged lawyer Laura Wasser, faced off with Kevin Federline, armed with his lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan, in family court seeking a change in visitation rights with her children. Spears showed up in court to ask Commissioner Gordon to grant her overnight visitation with her sons Sean Preston and and Jayden James … and she won! Altho, US Weekly (who managed to get a quote from Britney as she exited the courthouse) reports that Superior Court spokesman Allan Parachini was not “at liberty” to discuss the change, TMZ is reporting that Britney won her overnight visits:Britney Spears was granted a change in her visitation schedule with her sons Sean Preston and Jayden James at a hearing Tuesday. “There was a change in visitation status that was ordered by Commissioner Gordon this morning,” Los Angeles Superior Court spokesperson Alan Parachini confirmed after the hearing, which both Kevin Federline and her father (and co-conservator) Jamie Spears attended. (Britney and Kevin did not address each other during the hearing.) The details of her visitation, however, are unclear. “I’m not at liberty to answer any questions about the nature of that change,” Parachini said … Asked by Us if she were happy with the court outcome, Spears (clutching an Ed Hardy purse) smiled and told Us, “Yes.” Next up: A status hearing set for July 15.But according to TMZ: Sources tell us Brit Brit, who has been slowly gaining visitation back inch by inch, has made such progress the Commish agreed in court today she’s ready to have sons Jayden James and Sean Preston with her overnight. We hear Britney’s parenting coach Lisa Hacker was at the hearing today, and answered several questions from the Commish. Britney, who was all business in the courtroom, smiled as she left the courthouse.Woot! Clearly, Laura Wasser is worth her weight in gold. She is an amazing attorney so this win for Britney is not a surprise to me. I’m happy that Brit has made such great strides in proving to the court that she is capable of caring for her children again. Her life is well back on track … it won’t be long until she’s 100% back to her good ol’ self again. Biggest comeback in history, it’s gonna happen.Source: Pink Is The New Blog
The following italicized article is from www.ok-magazine.com:Things are finally looking up for Britney Spears! It was just announced that there has been a change in her visitation status with her two young sons. While it has yet to be made public what exactly that change is, insiders tell OK! that the pop star went into court today to ask for once-weekly overnight visits with the boys, and it's believed she may have gotten her wish granted.When she left the court after meeting with commissioner Scott Gordon and lawyers for her and ex-husband Kevin Federline, Brit's eyes appeared to be bloodshot, as if she'd been crying. However, when asked if she was happy, she replied, "yes," so hopefully those were tears of joy.A rep for the court confirmed that, while it was not strictly considered as testimony, Gordon did ask Britney a number of questions during their closed-door hearing. Also speaking to the court today was Lisa Hacker, the court-appointed parenting coach for the pop star.As for her demeanor in the courtroom today, the court spokesperson described Britney as being "very businesslike," and confirmed that there were no words of any kind exchanged between Brit and K-Fed.It was also confirmed after the hearing that Brit's most-recent attorney, Stacy Phillips, "has exited the case," and that her one-time lawyer, Laura Wasser, has returned to represent the singer.The next hearing date is scheduled for July 15, and the court confirms that a trial date is still tentatively set for August, though the spokesperson did say that this will continue, "for as long as it takes to resolve this case."Source: OK Magazine
The following italicized article is from www.x17online.com:Our X17 reporter on the scene just spotted Ms. Britney Spears heading out of the courthouse RIGHT NOW!With her dad on her right and attorney Blair Berk on her left, the pop star waits for an elevator on the 8th floor. She looks beautiful and radiant, says our guy, with a slight smile on her face. We love ya, Brit!No attorneys will be speaking, but we await an announcement from the commish...Stay tuned for the deets!Hope everything's okay!Source: X17
Now that Britney Spears is back on track getting her life in order she managed to woo power attorney Laura Wasser back to rejoin her legal team … and Wasser wasted no time hauling everyone back into court this morning to try and win back joint-custody of Sean Preston and Jayden James for Mama Britney. Both Britney and ex-hubby Kevin Federline (with his legal eagle Mark Vincent Kaplan) showed up for a court hearing this morning to revisit the child custody ruling that gave K-Fed full physical custody of the children:Britney Spears and ex-husband Kevin Federline separately arrived at a Los Angeles court Tuesday for a custody hearing. Spears, 26, is apparently seeking a change in her visitation schedule, but details weren’t immediately known. At 8:40 a.m., a somber-looking Federline, wearing a beige suit, entered the courtroom along with his lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan. Spears, also looking somber, entered shortly thereafter with her father. Her blonde hair was straight and long and she wore a white shirt, beige pants, and wedges. She took a seat in the right side of the courtroom, while Federline was seated on left side. Laura Wasser, Spears’s original divorce lawyer, is reportedly rejoining the singer’s legal team. Wasser was seen entering the courtroom along with a lawyer working for Spears’s conservatorship. The pop star currently has monitored visitation with her sons, Preston, 2, and Jayden, 1, three times a week. The ex-couple faces a custody trial in August if they’re unable to settle their case out of court. “Our goal is to settle what we can without a trial to achieve what’s in the best interest of the children,” Kaplan tells PEOPLE. “But whatever can’t be resolved with a private mediator will be brought to trial.”Wow … Laura Wasser does not waste any time at all, does she? Something tells me that K-Fed and Kaplan were not expecting such a direct assault as this and prolly hadn’t anticipated that Wasser would come back to represent Britney in this custody battle. Don’t get me wrong, I honestly believe that it will be much tougher for Laura Wasser to convince the court that Britney Spears deserves joint physical custody of her sons (despite all the positive progress that Britney has been making in recent months) but Brit Brit’s chances at success are much better with Wasser leading the charge. Britney (with help from her father/conservator Jamie Spears) is serious about getting her life in order. First she got herself under control and now she wants her kids back. Don’t be surprised if Laura Wasser helps Britney get what she wants.Source: Pink Is The New Blog
The following italicized article is from www.eonline.com:Britney Spears may be one step closer to that cousin summit she's been hoping for.The pop star and ex-husband Kevin Federline are in Los Angeles Superior Court awaiting a hearing on the terms of custody for their sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James.To avoid mingling with the common folk, the former fun couple were sequestered in a private chambers just off the courtroom, awaiting their respective attorneys: Blair Berk and the returning Laura Wasser for her; Mark Vincent Kaplan for him.Spears, in a white blouse, and Federline, in a gray suit, arrived separately around 8:30 a.m., entering the complex through a garage to circumvent paparazzi.A source tells E! News their attorneys have been in discussions in recent weeks about allowing the boys to have overnight visitation with Spears. The "Gimme More" singer had been hoping overnights would have started over a week ago, the insider says, but that was delayed.Spears has also been talking about her desire to have her sons meet their brand-new cousin, Jamie Lynn's daughter, Maddie, if she is able to eventually get permission to fly the boys down to Louisiana.Sleepovers would be a start.Baby steps.Source: E! Online
The following italicized article is from www.x17online.com:X17online's reporter in the courtroom confirms that all parties are present in the courtroom.Britney, looking professional and serious in a white shirt and khaki capri pants is sitting next to her father.Blair Berk, one of Britney's other attorneys, is currently speaking with the pop singer as she waits in the front row. Sounds like the conversation's going well, too - our reporter says she's smiling!Kevin looks calm in a grey suit and no tie.Both Laura Wasser and Mark Vincent Kaplan have been summoned to the commish's chambers, stay tuned for updates on the private convo!Update: Everyone's currently on a break; Kevin's run out to use the restroom, while Britney and Blair Berk stepped out to continue conferring.Sounds like they're off to a good start!Source: X17
The following italicized article is from www.usmagazine.com:Britney Spears and Kevin Federline are both at L.A. Superior Court to discuss custody of their two sons. Spears, 26, has also rehired her former divorce lawyer Laura Wasser, court public information office Allan Parachini confirms to Usmagazine.com. Spears, in tan capri pants, a white T-shirt and straight hair, is seated in the front row of the courtroom with Wasser, lawyer Blair Berk and her father, Jamie. Federline, 30, is also in attendance with lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan. The two have not yet made eye contact, according to an onlooker. The couple last appeared in court May 6, where Spears was granted extended visitation — three days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.— of their sons Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 20 months. Story developing. Source: US Weekly
The following italicized article is from www.eonline.com:Britney Spears has found herself a rather unorthodox traveling companion. So to speak.E! News has confirmed the singer joined Mel Gibson aboard a private jet this morning, bound for Costa Rica.The unlikely, but not unprecedented, duo was joined on their trip by Spears' father, Jamie, and Gibson's wife, Robyn.Though the exact nature of the trip is not yet known, it appears to be nothing more than a friendly weekend getaway, with a source telling E! News the group departed from Los Angeles with the intention of hanging out at Gibson's Costa Rica property "for a couple days."The source also told E! News the showbiz pair's budding relationship has been nurtured of late by attorney Blair Berk, who repped Gibson in his infamous DUI arrest and who is currently representing Spears' parents in their various legal entanglements.More recently, Gibson has been described as "mentoring" the troubled pop star and that the duo has discussed "a getaway" of some sort.The surprising pair first raised eyebrows last March, when they, along with a group of mutual friends, were spotted dining together at Studio City eatery Romanov.At the time, sources close to both stars denied any professional collaboration, insisting instead that their meeting was "all about sobriety" and that the Gibson clan was simply looking to help the young star.Judging by her progress made in the past few months, it's a job well done.Source: E! Online
The following italicized article is from www.x17online.com:We knew Britney Spears and Mel Gibson were dinner buddies - but who would have guessed that they're close enough to travel abroad together? ET Online is reporting that the pop princess and the silver screen legend were spotted leaving via private jet for Costa Rica around nine-ish this morning. The pair of stars arrived at the airfield separately, then got on board a private jet and took to the skies.ET's also reporting that Britney's father is coming along for the ride, and that the whole party will stay at Mel's home during the trip. Sounds like one fun trip - do you think it's for real? We haven't heard anything about their departure from our guys - but we'll let you know if we do!UPDATE: Attorney Blair Berk confirms to X17 that Brit and Mel really are vacationing together in Costa Rica! How exciting!Source: X17
The following italicized article is from www.accesshollywood.com:Access Hollywood is on the scene as Britney Spears and Kevin Federline are in court for the latest chapter in the couple’s very public custody battle.Today’s hearing will focus on the psychiatric evaluation of Britney, and whether or not she should be awarded any custody of her two children – Sean Preston and Jayden James.Under the current court ruling, Kevin maintains full custody of the kids.LA Superior Court Commissioner Scott Gordon will preside over the hearing and could modify the custody and visitation agreement, based on the psych report and Britney’s recent behavior.Here are up-to-the-minute updates live from the courthouse… (all times PDT)10:41 AM – Both parties are now on break. Everyone is now out of the courtroom. Britney was escorted out first, and then Kevin. Blair Berk won’t let go of Britney. She is constantly holding her hand and whispering in her ear.Berk is the only one Britney is talking to.10:33 AM – The quick break is over. Britney heads back into the courtroom. 10:26 AM – Court takes a break as Britney and attorney Blair Berk are spotted in the hallway. However, according to our source, the pop star “does not look happy.”9:35 AM – It’s Britney y’all! The pop star has finally entered the courtroom, about 80 minutes after arriving to the courthouse. She walks in with slick, straight blonde hair, full makeup, wearing a brown and white dress with a cream colored cardigan. “She looks great,” says Access’ source on the scene. “She and Kevin match.”She walked into court with both parents and attorney Blair Berk. It is very different from her previous appearances. The courtroom is very quiet as she enters.Her father, Jamie Spears, is sworn in, followed by Britney.Judge: “State your name.”Britney: “Britney.”Judge: “Your full name please.”Britney: “Britney Spears.”All media has now been removed from the courtroom as the hearing is set to begin.
More updates to come…9:33 AM - Kevin just walked into court, wearing a cream pinstriped suit. He is accompanied by lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan and his team.Guards are lining up inside court to walk Brit in.8:43 AM – Kevin has arrived and is also waiting downstairs.8:33 AM – Britney’s custody lawyer Stacey Phillips just walked into the courtroom with a team of attorneys.8:28 AM – Access has learned the judge will call a few other custody cases before Britney’s case this morning.8:15 AM – Britney arrives to court. She is downstairs, making her way upstairs to the courtroom.8:03 AM – The scene is packed with press, inside the courthouse and outside as well. There is a very noticeable police presence. No arrivals yet. Stay tuned.Source: Access Hollywood
The following italicized article is from www.eonline.com:The Los Angeles Superior Court's months-long Britney Spears dry spell has come to a close.Spears, Kevin Federline and their respective pricey legal teams are all present and accounted for inside the courtroom, where proceedings have begun on a progress hearing in the ex-Chaotic couple's ongoing custody case.The How I Met Your Mother guest star extraordinaire is expected to ask for modified visitation rights for sons Sean Preston and Jayden James during the hearing.Breaking from tardy tradition, she arrived nearly a half hour early to the courthouse, decked out in her Tuesday best, wearing a brown polka dot dress and accompanied by her mother, Lynn, her father, Jamie and her attorney, Blair Berk.Federline, for his part, also took precautions not to be shown up by a punctual Spears, with E! News learning he crashed at the downtown Standard Hotel last night so as to be within closer proximity of the courthouse."He didn't want to get stuck in traffic on the 101," a source said of the Tarzana resident. "He wanted to make sure he was on time."Spears, meanwhile, is no doubt energized for this morning's potentially lengthy hearing, having spent the weekend in Kentwood, Louisiana, where she was a guest at sister Jamie Lynn's baby shower. On Monday, she visited with her sons for three hours at her Beverly Hills home.Source: E! Online
The following italicized article is from www.ok-magazine.com:Early Saturday evening, stashed away in the back of her father's Escalade, Britney Spears snuck out of her gated Studio City community to grab a bite to eat, not with her family or Adnan Ghalib or even — heaven forbid — Sam Lutfi, but with none other than Oscar-winning director, actor and producer Mel Gibson.The pair met for a meal at nearby Romanov Restaurant and Lounge on Ventura Blvd., where they dined on some high-priced Russian eats for around two hours.So what is the connection between these unlikely dinner pals? The most likely culprit is super-powered L.A. attorney Blair Berk, who not only counts Brit's dad Jamie Spears as a client, but who infamously saved Mel from drowning in hot legal water after his 2006 DUI arrest. And while Berk is not representing the conservatorship directly, she has been involved in the restraining order against Sam, which will be discussed in court on Monday.Could the two have been discussing an upcoming project? "It's unlikely that they were talking about working together on anything specific," an industry insider tells OK!. "Although Mel has used a lot of inexperienced actors in his last two films."More likely, says the insider, Mel was sharing some of his insight into how to handle the negative press — something he became all-too-well acquainted with following his embarrassing arrest over two years ago. "He understands what she's going through," explains the source. "And he certainly has advice on how to not let it destroy your life."In fact, in 2006, the Braveheart star had plenty to say about the singer. "I feel compassion for someone like Britney," Mel said. "She never gets a moment... Your heart goes out to her because I'm positive that, at her core, she's a good woman."Of course, it is possible that Mel was giving Brit a little pep talk about bringing the mother of two into the fold of his ultra-conservative Church of the Holy Family in Malibu. If so, it wouldn't be the first time that Britney, who was raised a Southern Baptist, has attempted to explore other religious beliefs. In 2004, the pop star briefly dabbled with Kabbalah, even tattooing her neck with symbols tied to the religion. Of course, as reported the other day by OK!, that ink appears to have been recently erased.Source: OK Magazine
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The following italicized article is from www.accesshollywood.com:
