Britney's Back In Court Tomorrow!

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

Britney Spears is scheduled to appear at Los Angeles Superior Court tomorrow for hearings regarding both her astronomical legal fees as well as her driving without a license case.

Last month it was determined that Spears owed nearly three quarters of a million dollars to her attorneys as well as those representing her ex-husband Kevin Federline. Spears' attorney Stacy D. Phillips is seeking $407,000 for four months worth of work on Spears' custody case, while Laura Wasser, who took over the case in June, is seeking nearly $60,000 for two months of work. Additionally, Spears previously agreed to pay $250,000 to Federline's lawyers, bringing her total legal bill to around $716,000. Any payments must be approved by the Los Angeles court commissioner, and attorneys representing Spears' and her father's interests stated last month that they intend to contest Phillips' bill. The hearing to review the legal fees has been set for 8:30 a.m. tomorrow morning.

Additionally, there will be a preliminary hearing tomorrow morning for Spears' driving without a license case. Almost exactly a year ago, Spears was charged with driving without a license as well as a hit-and-run causing property damage, though the latter charge was dismissed several months ago. Two weeks ago, Spears' attorney Michael Flanagan requested that the case be dismissed, but Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James A. Steele delayed a decision on whether or not Spears would stand trial.

Source: X17

Britney Owes Big Money in Custody Battle

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

Who said getting back on track was cheap?

Stacy Phillips, one of the shorter-term members of Britney Spears' legal team, has let it be known that shoring up one's defenses can be downright bank-breaking.

According to a declaration filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, the "Sometimes I Run" songstress owes $338,414.87 to Phillips for $700-an-hour services rendered between March and June—and there are rumors of a lawsuit in the works because Spears' camp is objecting to the hefty sum.

But that's a discount, says the attorney, who states that the tab includes "time already deducted as a courtesy," time "written off" and $75,000 that she expects to get next month. (A court commissioner earmarked that sum for Phillips in April while poring over Spears' bills.)

Phillips was dismissed before Spears' custody settlement was reached last month with the help of her recently reinstated family lawyer Laura Wasser, who broke ranks last fall but returned in time to help Spears obtain more visitation privileges with sons Sean Preston and Jayden James (although Kevin Federline still has sole physical and legal custody).

Wasser's most recent bill, encompassing two months of counsel, totals $60,075, per court documents filed on behalf of the law firms of Wasser, Cooperman & Carter and Phillips, Lerner, Lauzon & Jamra.

But, because her firm has already applied Spears' $25,000 retainer fee toward her bill, she's requesting no more than half of

Why so high, you might ask?

Phillips says that Spears' conservatorship arrangement, which has gotten much of the credit for her 180-degree turn for the better over the last five months, made her case more complex.

Indeed. Attorneys for dad Jamie Spears indicated in court last week that they intend to contest his litle girls legal bills.

Meanwhile, the firm of Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps is requesting $110,000 of the $220,600 it says its owed for 402 hours of representing the conservatorship.

Source: E! Online

Britney to Birkhead: I Feel Your Pain

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

So you thought Larry Birkhead's legal bill was sky high? The lawyer who repped Britney Spears for a grand total of four months wants more than $481,000 in attorney's fees -- and she didn't even go out for lobster.

Attorney Stacy Phillips filed a declaration, claiming her $481,627.37 bill is a bargain, since she graciously discounted her fees by more than $126,000.00.

In court docs obtained by TMZ, Phillips whines she was completely put out by repping Brit, moaning that she was called back from her "pre-honeymoon" to attend a hearing in "non-Court attire." We're wondering if that was the day we saw her appear before the judge, wearing a sleeveless cocktail number.

Phillips says in her declaration that her rate is $700 an hour, similar to what Richard Gere paid Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman."

Now compare Phillips' bill to that of disso-queen Laura Wasser, who settled the whole case after Phillips was fired. Wasser's two-month bill is $59,700.

Sources say Phillips is ready to sue Britney, because her peeps are refusing to pay the bloated bill.

Source: TMZ

Change Made in Britney Visitation Status

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

BREAKING NEWS: Britney Spears' Visitation Rights "Expanded"

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

Britney Spears' visitation rights to sons Sean Preston and Jayden James were expanded Tuesday following a custody hearing with ex-husband Kevin Federline.

There was no change in custody, Federline's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan said at a press conference.

"The court made orders today, they were orders that the parties were able to mostly agree to," Kaplan said. "It represents a cautious step moving forward."

Kaplan said the court was "pleased with the progress that seems to be occurring" with Spears daily.

He called the court's ruling "a step in the right direction.

"The children are doing great — that's the key," Kaplan said. "That's what all of this is about."

Court spokesman Allan Parachini also read a statement from Britney's parents, Jamie and Lynne.

"We are so pleased with Britney's progress, and we are very appreciative of the court's recognition of this progress," they said in their statement.

The next progress hearing is set for July 15.

After the hearing, Britney was spotted smiling and leaving with her parents, Jamie and Lynne.

When asked if she were happy, her attorney Stacy Philips gave a smile and a thumbs up sign.

Lynne and Jamie were smiling and talking to each other.

As Federline left the courtroom, he smiled but did not say anything.

Federline has had primary custody of their sons since January, when Spears, 26, was involuntarily hospitalized after she refused to turn over one of the boys to Federline's bodyguard.

As the singer's stability has improved under the co-conservatorship of her father, she has been granted regular visits with her sons.

Source: US Weekly

Britney Enters The Courtroom

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

Lawyers Trust in Britney's Money

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

The lawyers who have been toiling for Britney Spears and her family are about to cash in big-time.

A court commissioner on Thursday approved a request from Britney's coconservators to pay nearly $400,000 in legal bills using money from her estate's private trust, which includes the "Toxic" singer's bank and brokerage accounts and is temporarily under her brother, Bryan Spears', control. (View the case review.)

Coconservator Andrew Wallet and attorneys representing Britney, dad Jamie Spears and Bryan Spears were the only ones present at the afternoon hearing, during which all agreed it would be all right to dip into the pop princess' estimated $100 million fortune to settle their fees.

"The conservators monitor closely every penny that goes in and out," conservatorship attorney Geraldine Wyle said in supporting the decision.

Britney's estate has been paying her medical and personal bills, as well as her $1,500 per week in "walking-around money," Jamie Spears' weekly $2,500 allowance and legal fees related to her conservatorship and child-custody proceedings.

Following a brief closed session, Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Reva Goetz allocated a $100,000 advance to Wallet; $10,000 per week to Britney's court-appointed attorney, Samuel Ingham, until July 31, when the temporary conservatorship is currently set to expire; $175,000 to Wyle's firm, Luce Forward; $22,500 for Bryan Spears' attorney, Clark Byam; and $75,000 to family attorney Stacy Phillips, who was recently rehired to fight Britney's custody battles.

All of the advances are an estimated half of what the lawyers will eventually bill and cover work done through March 31.

Goetz also delayed a ruling on Bryan Spears' request to consolidate all of his sister's name-brand businesses and other companies within her trust until July 31, when the court is expect to decide whether a permanent conservatorship should be established.

The commissioner also took the opportunity to further censure attorney Jon Eardley's latest attempt to wrest control of Britney's welfare away from her dad, citing a federal judge's previous ruling that Eardley had no authority to act on the popster's behalf.

"[U.S. District Judge Philip] Gutierrez in the federal court, as well as this court several times, have made findings that Eardley is not an attorney of record for Ms. Spears," Goetz reiterated Thursday. "There has been no finding that he represents her."

A three-judge panel tossed out Eardley's appeal of the conservatorship on March 24.

In a statement released by spokesman Michael Sands, Eardley, who says he was not notified of Thursday's hearing, called the awarding of fees "excessive and unnecessary."

Source: E! Online

Big Payday for Lawyers in Britney Spears Case

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

A Los Angeles court on Thursday ordered payment of nearly $400,000 to the numerous lawyers involved in Britney Spears's affairs – with the pop star footing the bill.

All the attorneys have been working on the case for less than three months.

Samuel Ingham, Spears's court-appointed attorney, will continue to receive $10,000 a week, Commissioner Reva Goetz ruled.

Andrew Wallet, the co-conservator of Spears's finances, will receive an advance of $100,000. (Wallet had not been paid since becoming involved last February.).

The firm which won Jamie Spears control of his daughter's affairs will also be advanced $175,000, and a lawyer representing Britney's brother Bryan Spears will get $22,500, while Stacy Phillips, Britney's new divorce lawyer, will receive $75,000.

The singer's father and Wallet remain in control of her life until a July 31 hearing.

Source: People

Britney Spears Ordered to Pay Lawyers' Fees

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

The attorneys involved with Britney Spears' conservatorship will be paid for their time, Commissioner Reva Goetz ruled today.

There are two conservators of Spears' financial, medical and legal decisions: Andrew Wallet and her father, Jamie. Wallet, who has not been paid yet, will be given $100,000. Jamie is being paid $2,500 per week.

Britney's attorney, Samuel Ingham, will receive up to $10,000 per week through the end of July.

Jamie's attorney, Geraldine Wyle, will get $175,000; trust attorney Clark Byam will be paid $22,500; and custody attorney Stacey Phillips will receive $75,000.

All of the fees, except for Ingham's, account for costs accrued through March 31.

Source: US Weekly

Brit's Lawyers Say "Pay Up!"

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

Britney Spears' conservators were back in court again on Thursday afternoon, where they discussed, among other things, the subject of payment.

Commissioner Goetz agreed to advance Andrew Wallet, Sam Ingham and attorneys for the conservators exactly half the money they are expected to bill for. Ingham, Brit's court-appointed attorney will be getting $10,000 a week through July 31.

Co-conservator Wallet gets $100,000 and the Luce Forward law firm will get $175,000 — and that's just for work done through March 31.

Clark Byam, another attorney, will get $22,500. Stacy Phillips, the lawyer repping Brit in the family law case, will get $75,000 — also for work through March 31.

Meanwhile, Comm. Goetz once again struck down a March 17 filing by Jon Eardley to present 'on record' the declaration of retired UCLA Law professor William McGovern. Eardley still claims he is working for Britney and that the current conservatorship is violating her civil rights.

After throwing the motion out, the judge said, "Judge Gutierez in the federal court, as well as this court several times, have made findings that show Eardley is not an attorney of record for Ms. Spears. There has been no finding that he represents her."

Everyone will be back in court on May 29 for the next conservatorship hearing.

Regarding Brit's custody case, the singer is required to complete a 730 psych evaluation by May 6. She has repeatedly refused to turn in any form of evaluation in the past, so it will be interesting to see if she complies this time.

Also on May 6, Britney is expected to ask for overnight visits with her sons. However, if she once again refuses to complete a psych evaluation, Commissioner Gordon may not consider that request.

Source: OK Magazine

Britney Takes It In The End

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

The commissioner in the Britney Spears conservatorship case has just ordered that a sh*tload of fees be paid to various lawyers in the case -- and Brit, of course, will foot the bill.

The Commish has ordered that court-appointed lawyer Sam Ingham can get $10,000 a week through July 31. What the hell is wrong with hiring Jacoby and Meyers?

But that's just the beginning. Andrew Wallet, a co-conservator, just got the green light for $100,000. And the Luce Forward law firm will get $175,000, and that's just for their work through March 31.

Clark Byam, another attorney, will get $22,500. Stacy Phillips, the lawyer repping Brit in the family law case, will get $75,000 for work through March 31.

And Brit pays it all. Ding dang, ya'll. Where's Shakespeare when ya need him?

Source: TMZ

Shocker: Kevin Spends More Than He Makes

In another ~shocking~ discovery in the Britney-Kevin custody case, Kevin has been spending a lot more than he's earning... a.k.a. POOR! Britney's lawyer Stacy Phillips "filed documents challenging the legal fees that Brit was ordered to pay for Fed-ex. Phillips claims K-Daddy "understated his income by at least $200,000." She also says Federline buried all sorts of personal expenses and pretended to have $800,000 worth of business expenses," according to TMZ. (NICE TIMING)

It gets better, court documents state what Kevin has been spending all his money on, and well... Mark Vincent Kaplan has his work cut out for him. "According to the legal papers, Federline grossed $544,074.73 from his production company, "Gooseneck Productions" in 2007, and his expenses totaled $841,128.67. Phillips says Federline's so-called business expenses included "extraordinarily high tips for food and beverage services [e.g., $1,100.76 tip on $2,782 bill; $200 tip on $371.29 bill; and $2,000 tip on $365 bill].

I'm glad he's so charitable with Britney's money giving several thousand dollar tips to his fleet of his skank-hos. And enjoy the list below of places Kevin used his BUISNESS credit card account for:

"Ralph's grocery store, Toys 'R Us, Babies 'R Us, Encino Park Liquor, Garrett Popcorn Shop, Blockbuster Video, Ikea, Smart & Final, Onstar Service Plan, Big Fish Games, Target, Boston Market, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Party House Liquor, Waste Management, Quiznos, The Spirit Shoppe, Roundtable Pizza, Honey Baked Ham, Burger King, Foot Locker, The Liquor Works, PF Chang's, Victoria's Secret, Privilege, Ann Taylor, Wendy's, Chili's, NikeTown, In N' Out Burger, and of course, Corbin Liquor."

Buisness as usual!

Source: Breathe Heavy

K-Fed Shows His Big Tip

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

K-Fed lied about his income and charged up ridiculous expenses, including insane tips, according to new court documents.

Britney Spears' newest lawyer, Stacy Phillips, filed documents challenging the legal fees that Brit was ordered to pay for Fed-ex. Phillips claims K-Daddy "understated his income by at least $200,000." She also says Federline buried all sorts of personal expenses and pretended to have $800,000 worth of business expenses. PopoZão!

According to the legal papers, Federline grossed $544,074.73 from his production company, "Gooseneck Productions" in 2007, and his expenses totaled $841,128.67. Phillips says Federline's so-called business expenses included "extraordinarily high tips for food and beverage services [e.g., $1,100.76 tip on $2,782 bill; $200 tip on $371.29 bill; and $2,000 tip on $365 bill].

What's not to love??

Source: TMZ

Britney Ordered to Pay K-Fed's Lawyer's Fees––Again!

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

The Britney Spears/Kevin Federline custody drama continued today as Brit was ordered to pay $375,000 of Federline’s attorney fees.

Spears’ attorney Stacy Phillips argued that Federline's lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan was asking for too much, and that based on his extravagant spending style, Federline could pay his own way. But Commissioner Scott Gordon said the pop tart should foot the bill because her erratic behavior led to the majority of delays and litigation in the case.

The ruling comes after Federline and Spears’ father and conservator Jamie appeared in court last week to tussle over the lawyer fees. Kaplan initially asked for $405,000. Britney has paid nearly $1 million of K-Fed's legal fees so far.

Source: OK Magazine

Britney Spears Ordered to Pay $375,000 in K-Fed's Legal Bills

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

Britney Spears has been ordered to pay $375,000 of Kevin Federline's legal bills, according to court documents released Monday.

Los Angeles Court Commissioner Scott Gordon called the legal billing "reasonable," in large part because "the actions of [Spears] caused the great majority of litigation."

Last week, the pop star's lawyer, Stacy Phillips, complained that Federline's attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, had over-charged Spears, and asked that Federline be ordered 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 could afford to help pay "for the diligent work being done on his behalf." She also criticized Kaplan for raising his hourly fee.

Family courts have the power to order one party to pay for the other's fees, based on income and needs.

Federline had previously declared in court papers made public last year that he had no steady income, while Spears takes in more than $700,000 a month.

Source: People

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

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