Britney Finds Calm in Cabo

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

Splashing in a pool and dancing with one of her bodyguards, Britney Spears looked happier and healthier than she has in years as she showed the world that she has her killer bikini body back.

The occasion was a weekend getaway vacation to Los Cabos, Mexico, organized by Palms Casino owner and good family friend George Maloof, who intended to help Britney relax after finalizing her hard-fought custody battle against her ex-husband Kevin Federline.

Britney, 26, lost that war. On July 25, Los Angeles County Superior Court Commissioner Scott Gordon signed off on an agreement giving Kevin, 30, sole legal and physical custody of their sons, Jayden James, 22 months, and Sean Preston, who turns 3 on Sept. 14.

Britney is allowed supervised visitation three times a week, including one overnight. Still, just having the custody battle over was a relief for Britney, whose focus now is staying fit (she eats five small protein-packed meals a day and works out rigorously), getting her career back on track and, most important, being a great mom to her little boys.

"Britney had an overnight visit with Jayden and Preston before leaving for Mexico," a source tells OK!. "They had just been picked up to go back to Kevin's on Saturday morning when she left for the airport. Britney was in great spirits when she got on the plane."

Source: OK Magazine

Britney And K-Fed Custody Battle: IT'S OFFICIALLY OVER!!!

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

We thought this day would never come! LA County Court Commissioner Scott Gordon filed the paperwork today that officially ended the custody battle between Britney and K-Fed. The hearing started around 2 p.m., and around 3:15 p.m., K-Fed's attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, arrived at the courthouse and signed off on the settlement.

As you may remember, on July 17, Kaplan broke the news that Britney gave K-Fed sole physical and legal custody of Sean Preston and Jayden James. The next day, attorneys for both parties appeared in court to finalize the agreement, but it was never actually made official and "converted into a legal document with the court" until now.

Source: X17

Breaking News: Britney & Kevin's Custody Battle Still On!

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

The California court system breathed a sigh of relief last week when OK! exclusively revealed that Britney Spears and ex-husband Kevin Federline had finally reached an agreement over their prolonged custody battle for their two children.

However, sources tell OK! that Brit's dad, Jamie Spears, who has been acting as her court-ordered conservator for several months and who has final say over all her legal and financial matters, isn't happy with the agreement and is refusing to sign off on the settlement.

Both parties are expected back in court today at 2 p.m. PST for an emergency hearing with family court Commissioner Scott Gordon, who had been expected to make the settlement official several days ago.

Outside the courtroom, a spokesperson for the court said, "There apparently is a settlement... We expect it delivered by one of the lawyers this afternoon."

However, the spokesperson did say that he could not yet say when the details of the settlement will be released to the public.

On July 17, K-Fed's lawyer spoke exclusively to OK! to announce that he and Brit's attorney Laura Wasser had worked out an agreement between the feuding spouses. Under the terms of the settlement, Kevin is to retain sole legal and physical custody of Sean Preston, 2, and 1-year-old Jayden James, while Britney will continue to have visitation rights which may increase over time.

The agreement was presented to the court on July 18, at which point commissioner Gordon was expected to finalize the paperwork, finally putting an end to months of back-and-forth feuding.

Source: OK Magazine

Britney's Lawyer: "She's Doing Great"

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

Following this morning court proceedings, where lawyers for Britney Spears and Kevin Federline announced to commissioner Scott Gordon that they had agreed on a final settlement in their drawn-out custody battle, Laura Wasser, Brit's attorney spoke to OK! about the resolution to this long legal feud.

"It's a victory for both sides," claims Wasser. "They both want what's best for the kids and they both wanted to avoid a trial. They thought it wasn't necessary or cost-effective."

Wasser also confirmed that Britney still has Sean Preston, 2, and 1-year-old Jayden James for two day visits and one overnight visit per week, adding, "She will have more custodial time by the end of the year."

As for her client's state of mind, the legal eagle says, "Britney's doing great. She's very excited to have her kids overnight today." This is a slight break from the pop star's normal schedule with her boys, which had previously seen them having their overnight visits on Saturday evenings.

And to those who might see this agreement, which has K-Fed maintaining sole physical custody, Wasser clarifies, "There was never a fight over custody; That wasn't the issue... The issue was about getting more time [with the boys.]"

Meanwhile, Kevin's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan tells OK! that his client is "very happy" with the agreement and with being able to avert the "economic and emotional cost" of a trial.

Currently, the agreement between the Spears and Federline camp is still awaiting approval from Gordon, though he is expected to ratify the deal early next week.

Source: OK Magazine

It's Over: Britney & Kevin Reach a Custody Settlement

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

Britney Spears and her ex Kevin Federline have reached a custody settlement in their epic, year-and-a-half court battle over their two sons.

According to the agreement, reportedly signed by all parties, Federline retains sole custody of the couple's two sons, Preston, 2 1/2, and Jayden, 1 1/2. Spears – who's currently allowed two visits and one overnight per week – will keep her visitation rights.

"The case has been settled," Federline's attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, told E! Online. "The court still has to approve it."

Both parties are due in court Friday.

The legal saga, which began with shared 50-50 custody in July 2007, culminated in the most dramatic of public downfalls: Spears – the pop powerhouse worth an estimated $100 million – was twice forcibly hospitalized early this year for mental health issues. (Her father Jamie stepped in to take legal control of her affairs.)

However, a judge can always modify custody settlements – and a source close to Spears tells PEOPLE the singer will likely get increased visitation as time goes on.

''Until the kids turn 18, we can expect in years to come that Britney and Kevin will be back in court," says L.A. family lawyer Lynn Soodik, who is not involved with the case. "Britney will have a better chance of winning more custody once she regains her health. This is just the end of Round One."

Source: People

Britney Spears Gives Kevin Federline Sole Custody of Boys

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

Britney Spears has agreed to give Kevin Federline sole custody of their boys, Sean Preston, 2 1/2, and Jayden, 1 1/2.

Spears, 26, will still have visitation rights.

"The case has been settled," Federline's attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, told E! Online. "The court still has to approve it."

The two are due in court Friday.

Spears currently has monitored, twice-a-week visitation with her boys, as well as one overnight-a-week.

She lost all visitation rights in January she was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Source: US Weekly

Britney/K-Fed: Rhymes with Mettlement

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

Britney Spears and Kevin Federline have settled their child custody case ... finally.

Sources tell us the two have agreed to a custody arrangement that will give Brit more custody with their two kids by year's end. Currently, she sees Sean Preston and Jayden James three days a week with one overnight.

The settlement is a huge development because next month's trial is now kaput. We're told Brit, grandpa Jamie and K-Fed all wanted to avoid the expense, emotional wear and tear and media frenzy connected with a full-blown trial.

Interesting, we think -- Disso-queen Laura Wasser, who repped Brit from the get-go and was able to retain 50/50 custody even when her client was melting down, has been back on the case for only a month and the Brit ship is back afloat.

On K-Fed's side, his lawyer, Mark Vincent Kaplan, was able to turn one of the most reviled guys in the U.S. of A. into Daddy Dearest and win him primary custody. The lawyers will be in court tomorrow to present the deal to Commish Scott Gordon for his approval.

What a world.

Source: TMZ

OK! Exclusive: Britney Ends Fight to Win Back Custody

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

In a shocking new development, OK! has learned exclusively that Britney Spears has ended her battle to win back custody of her children, Sean Preston and Jayden James, from ex-husband Kevin Federline.

In an exclusive interview with OK!, Kevin's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan says both Britney and Kevin reached and signed off on a settlement in their custody case today.

Kaplan tells OK!, "At about 8 p.m. PT, a final settlement in the Kevin Federline-Britney Spears custody case was signed. All parties have agreed to the following: Kevin will retain sole legal and physical custody of Sean Preston and Jayden James. Britney will continue to have visitation rights which may increase over time. The agreement will be presented to the court in the morning for approval by the commissioner."

Kaplan adds, "Kevin is ecstatic and the boys are thriving."

Britney, who remains under the legal conservatorship of her father Jamie Spears, lost custody of her sons to Kevin last October. At the time she had visitation privileges but they were severely restricted following her January hospitalization for psychiatric evaluation.

She currently has monitored visitation with her sons two days a week and one overnight.

Source: OK Magazine

Britney and the Boys Have a Sleepover

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

While Kevin Federline partied in Miami Beach this weekend, Britney Spears stayed at home...with the kids!

E! News can confirm that Britney had a 12-hour overnight visit with her two sons Saturday night at her Los Angeles?home.

"The kids were picked up before noon on Sunday," says a source.

It was Britney's first overnight visit since Spears lost visitation with her kids following her infamous visit to the UCLA psych ward in January. Commissioner Scott Gordon, after being presented evidence that Britney's mental health has improved, modified the terms of her visitation last week to allow overnight visits.

Meanwhile, K-Fed picked up where he left off in Las Vegas two weeks ago and partied at Miami nightclub Mansion on Friday night. Federline, who's reportedly working on a new song tentatively titled, "Daddy's Home," was scheduled to return home to LA on Sunday.

Source: E! Online

OK! Exclusive: Brit & K-Fed to Discuss Settlement

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

Could there finally be an end to the Britney Spears and Kevin Federline custody case? If family court commissioner Scott Gordon has anything to say about it, the answer would be a resounding "yes."

Only hours after today's decision to allow Britney to have one overnight visit per week with her boys, OK! has learned that the court has ordered both sides of the dispute over little Sean Preston and Jayden James to meet tomorrow at a neutral, non-court location to make an attempt at coming to terms on a permanent settlement.

These talks would be very similar to the closed-door mediation sessions that took place during the former couple's divorce — even more so now that Laura Wasser, Brit's original attorney in her feud with Federline, has been brought back on the team.

However, the case insiders warn OK! that these discussions may be all for naught, and that it's likely the case will move ahead with a full trial.

Source: OK Magazine

Britney Comes in for a Landing

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

Britney Spears is back in the Pacific Time Zone.

The popster touched down Monday night at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank after a long weekend of fun in the sun at Mel Gibson's beachside digs in northern Costa Rica.

Sources close to Spears tell E! News the rested mother of two had to be back in Los Angeles early this week to prep for a meeting with Kevin Federline to work on an even more evolved custody arrangement. Both sides' attorneys will be present and the heat is on—L.A. Superior Court Commissioner Scott Gordon has said he will set a trial date in August or September if they can't move forward on their own.

Meanwhile, it's unclear whether Jamie Spears was on his daughter's private flight back to the States, but we do know her William Morris agent—and designated ATV driver—Jason Trawick was along for the ride.

And still might be...

Source: E! Online

Britney on a Bally High

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

After the Commish gave her more face time with the boobers, Britney Spears continued on the right path by working her butt out Tuesday.

A smiling and healthier-looking Brit blew out of a Ballys near her home holding a bottle of water and a ... cigarette. Baby steps, people, baby steps.

Source: TMZ

Britney Not Getting Overnights For a While

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

Although it was truly a monumental day for Britney Spears — the singer showed up to court for the first time since October to face off with her ex, Kevin Federline, in their ongoing custody battle — sources tell OK! that it didn't go as well as some online reports would have you believe.

Reports that the pop superstar will get overnight visits with her boys within the month, and that 50/50 custody with K-Fed is imminent are false, sources close to the case confirm to OK!.

"Britney will not get automatic overnights in the future," the insider tells OK! exclusively. "Right now, the amount of time she gets for her day visits has been increased, but no overnights are planned."

According to the source, more information is needed before the issue of overnight visits is even considered.

"The court needs to see how this first step goes for a significant amount of time," explains the insider, adding that things won't be able to move forward until after a review of this latest expansion. "It's not about how well she does with the boys," the source said, "But how well the boys do. That's what it's all about."

Until today's decision to expand her time with sons Sean Preston and Jayden James, the singer has had the boys three times a week for 3-hour, supervised visits. Another source close to the case tells OK! that reports that the commissioner was pleased with Britney's progress are also false. According to the insider, a return to split custody is still many, many months away, and it could be years away if the conservatorship is dissolved at its next review date on July 31.

The source says Britney's progress is based solely on the presence of the conservatorship. The singer's father and conservator, Jamie Spears, has a "duty to be there, not as a father or grandfather, but by law. That is what's made the turnaround in her. Take that away, and who knows what will happen. We don't know what she'd be without the company of the conservator."

Source: OK Magazine

Britney Will Sing "Twinkle, Twinkle" to the Kids

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

TMZ has more details on what Britney Spears got in court today.

As we first reported, Brit will get three days of supervised visitation per week. Sources tell us within a month she will also have overnight visitation with her kids.

We're told Commish Scott Gordon was extremely impressed with Brit's progress today. It was a different story a few months back when she completely pissed him off. The Commish was somewhat blown away by her progress.

The goal, we're told, is to ramp it up over the next few months so that Brit gets 50/50 custody, right back where she started from.

Stay tuned.

Source: TMZ

Britney's Visitation "Expanded"

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

For the first time in months, sparring exes Britney Spears and Kevin Federline were both in a California courtroom to discuss matters in their ongoing custody battle. And at the end of the day, her efforts were worth it, as lawyers confirm that her current agreement with K-Fed has been expanded.

"Kevin's goal has always been for two parents to participate actively in their lives,"his lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan said after the hearings adjourned this afternoon. "But when that will occur, I can't tell you that."

According to Kaplan, there has been no change in the custodial orders, but after hours of closed-door chats, there has been "an expansion, which is a function of recognition of progress made."

While no more specifics were given about what exactly has been expanded, insiders are saying it definitely means that Britney will be spending more time with her two sons than her current two to three brief visits during the week. And perhaps, suggest the insiders, Brit might be given a chance to have an occasional monitored, overnight visit from her sons.

"This represents a step going forward," added Kaplan, "A cautious step, but a step nonetheless."

In a joint statement to the press, Britney's parents echoed this sentiment: "We are so pleased with britney's progress," said Jamie and Lynne Spears. "And we very much appreciate the court's recogntition of her progress."

Early this morning, Britney, looking her best in a brown and white polka-dot dress and straightened blonde locks, waited patiently in a holding area until around 9:37 am PT while Commissioner Scott Gordon dealt with matters in other cases.

When their case was finally called, the superstar entered the courtroom with her mom, Lynne and father Jamie, who sat in the back row. They were joined by Blair Berk, the lawyer who represents Britney's father. Both Brit and Kevin, decked out in a beige suit, gold earrings and pinky ring, were sworn in by Gordon.

According to a witness in the courtroom, when Brit-Brit was asked to state her name for the record, she whispered, almost inaudibly, "Britney." Gordon had to instruct her further to give her full name.

Almost immediately after being sworn in, Britney's lawyer asked that the court be closed to the public and the request was granted by Jordan.

Around 10:25 am PT, there was a break in the action and Brit — guarded by a group of six imposing men — headed to the ladies room.

Not much later, a rep for the court announced that both parties had entered into a private discussion outside of the courtroom, and that a "compromise" was being hammered out. Presumably, today's "expansion" is a result of these discussions.

Meanwhile, in a strange only-in-Hollywood twist, Elliott Mintz, better known as the publicist for celebutante extraordinaire Paris Hilton, has introduced himself as the new PR mouthpiece for K-Fed.

Source: OK Magazine

Britney & Kevin Working Out a Compromise

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

UPDATE: Around 10:45am PT, a spokesperson for the court told reporters that today's hearing is currently on an extended break while both parties discuss a compromise — though he would not elaborate on what exactly they were considering compromising over.

Likely, they are hammering out a deal for prolonged, or perhaps even overnight, visitation for Britney with her two sons.

While the parties involved meet in rooms separate from the courtroom, Commissioner Gordon has moved on to hearing matters in other cases. But that doesn't mean everything is finished for the day.

''They will be back [in court] today," said the court spokesman. "When is impossible to know. How many times have we gone through this? This has happened four or five times."

Source: OK Magazine

Things Going Bad for Brit?

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

The Commish has taken a recess and Brit is out in the hall looking very upset. Our spy says that while Britney isn't actually crying in the hallway -- it looks like she might have been crying inside the closed courtroom.

Mom and Pop Spears are still in the courtroom with Brit's attorney, as is K-Fed and all his people.

Stay tuned ...

UPDATE 10:28 AM PT -- Brit is back in the courtroom.

UPDATE 10:38 AM PT -- Britney is back out of the courtroom, smiling and holding hands with Blair Berk

Source: TMZ

Brit's Just Chillin'

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

Britney Spears is sitting in a private room at the court house, waiting for her case to be heard. The commish has other cases on his docket this AM -- and we hear Brit and company should be called around 9:30 AM.

Source: TMZ

Britney In Court Awaiting Hearing

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

She made it! For the first time in months, sparring exes Britney Spears and Kevin Federline are both actually in a California court, waiting to speak to family court commissioner Scott Gordon.

Britney is apparently waiting in a holding area until after Gordon deals with matters in other cases.

Meanwhile, in a strange only-in-Hollywood twist, Elliott Mintz, better known as the publicist for celebutante extraordinaire Paris Hilton, has introduced himself as the new PR mouthpiece for K-Fed.

Stay tuned as this story develops.

Source: OK Magazine

Britney Spears Expected In LA Court

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

Exactly three months have passed since Britney Spears left a psychiatric ward and promptly stirred up a paparazzi car chase, a scene that looked like the beginning of even more erratic behavior for the troubled pop star.

In the weeks that followed, Spears started acting out of character, all right: She laid low and avoided the cameras. She spent time with family members. She found work, and succeeded at it.

With that stability and momentum to build on, it would appear Spears’ child-custody hearing Tuesday had the potential for a positive outcome — as long as she gets it together to show up this time. All indications are that she will.

The troubled 26-year-old pop star, who has been under the conservatorship of her father since her one-week-early release from UCLA Medical Center, is expected to attend the custody status hearing in a downtown courthouse with her parents. Her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, will also attend, said his spokesman, Elliot Mintz.

Federline has had full custody of his two sons by Spears, 2-year-old Sean Preston and 1-year-old Jayden James, since January, when police were called to Spears’ home after she refused to relinquish one of the boys to a Federline bodyguard. Spears was taken by ambulance to a hospital after the incident. Her visitation rights were suspended at the time, but have been gradually restored in recent months.

Tuesday’s hearing will include discussion of a psychiatrist’s evaluation of Spears, a person close to the case told The Associated Press. The person was not authorized to speak publicly about the case and requested anonymity.

Commissioner Scott Gordon, who will preside over the hearing, could modify the couple’s visitation agreement Tuesday based on Spears’ recent conduct, the person said.

Spears was a constant media presence before the conservatorship took effect. Photographers captured her every visit to Starbucks and gas stations around Los Angeles, and documented a bout of bizarre behavior that included appearing in public without underwear, shaving her own head and beating a car with an umbrella.

Since Spears’ father, James, took over her affairs, the pop star has been relatively invisible to photographers, only occasionally snapped shopping or having dinner with her mother, Lynne. A traffic accident last month turned out to be a minor bumper-to-bumper incident in which no one was injured, and for which no one was cited.

Spears’ public appearances have been limited to a well-received cameo on CBS’ “How I Met Your Mother,” a role she reprised during a taping last week, a CBS spokeswoman said. The episode is set to air May 12.

“We’re thrilled to have Britney joining us once again,” series executive producer and co-creator Craig Thomas said in a statement last month. The show’s audience increased by a million viewers the week Spears appeared.

The pop star also made news last month when she took on full-time exercise and nutrition coaches from Bally Total Fitness.

Once known for her flawless figure, Spears was widely ridiculed for her flabby form in September during a universally panned performance on the MTV Video Music Awards that was meant to herald her comeback.

Spears has been elusive at recent court hearings, her every anticipated appearance drawing a circus of media and paparazzi. In January, she arrived at the courthouse wearing cocktail-party attire — a black minidress and gold platform shoes — and left before the custody hearing began. A lawyer for Federline said that behavior may have played a role in the commissioner’s decision that she remain barred from seeing her sons. Federline has allowed Spears limited visitation rights since Feb. 22.

Source: Access Hollywood