No Visitation Change for Britney

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

Despite a desire on both sides of the Britney Spears and Kevin Federline custody battle to see the pop star reunited with her two boys, no agreement was reached in court on Tuesday and Britney's visitation privileges remain as before, meaning that the pop star can only speak to her children over the phone.

Speaking to OK! after today's proceedings, Kevin's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan said that his client "wants to see the day when the boys have their mom back in their life... it's just a question of working out the details."

Of course, this news was just the capper on what was a big day in court for the lawyers in the Spears/Federline case.

As OK! was the first to report, Britney Spears has found new legal representation in the form of celeb divorce specialist Stacy Phillips. This comes in the wake of her lawyers at Trope & Trope filing their second request to be removed from the child custody case.

Phillips, who has handled the former spouses of everyone from Axl Rose to Tori Spelling, was accepted by the court and will officially replace Trope & Trope at the end of today's proceedings. (CLICK HERE for a more detailed background on this dragon lady of divorce).

For today, Phillips will work alongside Trope attorney Anne Kiley as she argues several issues, including visitation privileges and a request for a gag order

.First up today was the issue of the gag order. In a statement to the judge, Kiley claimed that "First Amendment rights aren't absolute... We are not trying to control the paparazzi. We are trying to control what we can control." Kiley then pointed a legal finger at Kaplan, saying, "We have heard nothing from the respondent in his papers or arguments as to why it is that attorneys need to make statements to the media."

For his part, Kaplan argued that since the court has sealed most of the documents related to the case and since the courtroom is often closed to the public, there is no need for the gag order. And it appears that Commissioner Gordon agreed, ruling against the request and stating that "the public has a right to know what the court is doing and to see that it's fair." He added, "all the attorneys in this case have proceeded with nothing but dignity."

Source: OK Magazine

New Britney Pictures!

New pictures of Britney outside her home on February 17th. See them all here!

Source: Ubrit

Britney Still Can't See Her Kids

Lawyers for Spears and Kevin Federline were in court on Tuesday.

Unfortunately, they were unable to reach an agreement on the specifics of how/when/where Britney would see her children.

Sad.

Update:

The attorneys are said to be working through lunch and want to reach an agreement.
They will all be back in court at 1:30 P.M. Pacific.

Source: Perez Hilton

Source: K-Fed Might Allow Brit to See Kids

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

UPDATE: After this morning's session, a representative for the court announced that there had been no change in visitation. However, as lawyer's for both sides head back into court, it's unclear if the issue is completely off the table for the day.

________________

Sources close to the Britney Spears custody case are confirming to OK! that the singer's ex-husband Kevin Federline might not fight her request to regain some visitation privileges to her two boys — provided that her father is present.

As OK! had previously reported, sources were saying that K-Fed and his legal team were considering the idea of allowing Britney to have some personal time with Sean Preston, 2, and one-year-old Jayden James and it looks like that time might come sooner rather than later, so long as the visitation is supervised by the boys' grandfather Jamie Spears, who has shown remarkable conviction in keeping his previously unpredictable daughter in-line since being named her conservator almost three weeks ago.

Right now, Britney's father, their lawyers and K-Fed's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan are behind closed doors in the courtroom. A press conference is expected later this afternoon.

Stay tuned to OK! as this story continues to develop.

Source: OK Magazine

Court Rejects Gag Order in Britney Case

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

A Los Angeles family court commissioner on Tuesday rejected a request by Britney Spears's attorneys for a news blackout, saying it wasn't the court's job to protect the pop star from paparazzi.

Attorneys and Spears's father Jamie, the temporary co-executor of her estate, then attended a closed-door session – the first scheduled custody hearing since the pop star's most recent hospitalization.

Anne Kiley, a lawyer for Spears, asked for the gag order, saying the huge crowds of media that have swarmed the pop star during recent courthouse arrivals could be avoided if reporters were not told when proceedings were scheduled.

During one recent hearing, Spears got only as far as the curb, said she was scared of the crushing crowd of media, and left.

"The attorneys' First Amendment right to discuss this case in the media really isn't what's important in this case," Kiley argued to Commissioner Scott Gordon, adding that the intense media focus on her client has been "dangerous to [Spears] emotionally and physically. It's a dangerous situation."

Federline's Attorney Opposes the Gag Order

Mark Vincent Kaplan, attorney for Kevin Federline, opposed the motion, contending a gag order would not stop the paparazzi from hounding Spears. He added that Kiley's arguments "don't pass Constitutional muster."

After listening to a half-hour of arguments, Gordon said it was not up to him to protect Spears from paparazzi, and that he had never seen a gag order that would do what Kiley suggested.

"The concern really is the conduct of the photographers," Gordon said. "That's a law enforcement issue and an issue for the kind gentlemen and ladies of the press to deal with appropriately."

He added, "The concern you have is a real one. [But] it should be dealt with without infringing on the First Amendment."

Custody Hearing Held in Private

The attorneys then met in closed-session for the custody hearing.

Kiley appeared on behalf of Spears even though the lawyer's firm, Trope and Trope, wants to drop her as a client.

Neither Spears nor Federline was in court. They were not required to be there.

Insiders expected no major change from the current custody arrangement, which bars Spears from visiting her sons Preston, 2, and Jayden, 1. (She is, however, allowed telephone contact.) Still, it's possible the 26-year-old singer – who hasn't seen the boys since her Jan. 3 standoff with police – could be awarded some temporary physical access.

Source: People

Brit Doesn't Get Visitation

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

The lawyers couldn't agree amongst themselves -- so Brit will not get visitation with Sean Preston and Jayden James.

There is no change in the custody order. Also, the Commish made it clear - the issues with the conservatorship being removed to Federal court have no bearing on the custody case.

Also, Trope and Trope is out as Brit's lawyer. Stacy Phillips is now the new lawyer on the case.

It's ironic, we know K-Daddy wants Brit to have visitation and the lawyers came to court today trying to accommodate that, but it didn't happen. Daddy Jamie also has wanted to create some normalcy in Brit's life and wanted visitation restored in a bad way, but it wasn't meant to be.

UPDATE: We hear they're going to work through lunch to try to hammer out an agreement and they'll all be back in court at 1:30 PM PT.

Source: TMZ

Britney Could See Youngins Soon

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

TMZ has learned lawyers at today's custody hearing are hashing out a plan so Britney can see her babies again. But there's a snag.

We're told both sides are in agreement -- Britney should get visitation rights in a therapeutic setting. But sources say the lawyers are meeting right now and can't agree on the terms.

We know K-Fed wants Brit to have visitation back. In all probability, a psychiatrist will supervise visitation. TMZ has reported that people involved in the conservatorship would also like to find a private facility where Brit can receive treatment for her bipolar disorder.

Brit hasn't seen her kids for a month and a half.

Will the attorneys reach an agreement today?

Stay tuned ...

Source: TMZ

The Spears Dine on Lobster and Tobacco

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

Must've been just like old times back in Kentwood: TMZ spies say that Britney Spears just couldn't stay still the other night at Citrus at Social, going to the restroom "a lot" and seeming bored out of her mind, while her daddy Jamie worked over a big piece of chaw.

The night didn't start so well for Brit -- we're told that the paps tore off her jacket when she got to the joint, and that even though she was with her daddy and a couple other guests, she kept getting up from the table, leaving her lobster burger untouched.

She did, however, eat "a lot" of the cheesecake and the Kit Kat Bar dessert, a specialty of the house.

Source: TMZ

Gag Me with a Lawyer

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

Brit's soon-to-be-gone lawyer Anne Kiley just asked Commish Scott Gordon to gag the lawyers and others connected with the custody battle from speaking to the media about the case.

K-Daddy's lawyer, Mark Vincent Kaplan, objected to the gag request, stating that it was a violation of free speech. Kaplan said Kiley has accused him of leaking like a sieve. Kaplan also cited a conversation he had with Kiley that ended up on TMZ while the conversation was still taking place -- i.e., he's not leaking if he's still talking.

In the end, the Commish denied the gag motion. The hearing is now behind closed doors.

Stay tuned ...

Source: TMZ

K-Fed to Brit - Take the Kiddies for a While

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

Sources tell TMZ Kevin Federline would like Britney to see her kids, even during the conservatorship.

We're told K-Fed has no prob allowing the kids to visit Brit at her home, with one string attached - that Brit's parents are present during the visits.

We hear K-Fed isn't worried that anything bad would happen to the kids, his biggest concern is that Britney might drive with them, but Jamie would be there to put the kibosh on that.

Sources also say K-Fed doesn't want custody 100% of the time - it's just too much. He'd like Britney to share custody or at least visitation.

And we're hearing there's talk Britney could go to a private facility for treatment and K-Fed would have no problem allowing the kids to visit her there, just as they did when Brit was at Promises. We're told there was a plan weeks ago to get Brit to an out-of-state facility but that didn't work out. Finding a private treatment facility is a priority, however, the powers of the conservators are limited and it just ain't that easy.

Stay tuned ...

Source: TMZ

Ugh, She Did It Again!

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

Come on already! Just when we thought Britney Spears was staying within the realm of normalcy, we lost her again. While bundled up in a poofy black jacket that appears to have been ripped off a random '80s biker, the pop star flashed her, er, um, Britney last night when getting out of the car for dinner at SHU sushi restaurant in L.A.

Doesn't she know that's soooo 2007! With papa Jamie Spears overseeing her well-being as conservator, it's nice to know that he makes her put on a coat before heading out, and even comb her extensions. But maybe an additional female assistant could act as a wardrobe conservator, making her outfits a little more, ya know, conservative!

Source: Page Six

FAKE! She did not flash her thing....She nearly did but nothing was visible!

New Lawyer in Brit Custody Case

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

TMZ has learned attorney Stacy Phillips will take the reigns in Britney's custody case - we'll, kinda sorta.

Sources say Phillips, who has repped Bobby Brown and Tori Spelling's ex, will represent the conservatorship, which is making decisions in the custody case. We're told Jamie Spears has signed off on Phillips, so the way is clear for Trope and Trope to leave the case. But there's a catch.

We're told Commish Scott Gordon wants assurance that Brit will be protected with a lawyer SHE personally chooses when the conservatorship ends.

Phillips is in court right now and there will be big developments today.

Stay tuned ...

Source: TMZ

The Players All Lining Up for Brit's Court Date

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

TMZ is in court as the major players in Britney Spears' conservatorship and custody cases are all lining up to speak their mind at today's hearing.

K-Daddy's attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, as well as Jamie Spears and his attorneys have all arrived in court. One new player has shown up too-- powerhouse lawyer Stacy Phillips. She previously represented singer Bobby Brown in his divorce from Whitney Houston. The buzz is she's next in line to take on Britney as a client in her custody battle.

Stay tuned ...

Source: TMZ

A Process Of Healing

Look at her. LOOK at her!

We can just see a very noticeable difference in Britney Spears. She seems calmer, happier and more at peace.

Now that the negative influences have been removed from her life, the once and future pop star's family is ensuring that their beloved daughter gets healthy.

With the chaos gone from her life, a dress up Brit Brit was subdued and smiling sincerely as she went out to dinner at SHU sushi restaurant in Los Angeles on Monday night with her new bodyguards and assistant.

If Britney keeps things up, hopefully she will be able to see her children soon.

That would be very nice!

Source: Perez Hilton

Britney to Ask for Visitation Privileges

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

As lawyers for Britney Spears and Kevin Federline head into the courtroom Tuesday morning, they'll be coming armed to discuss a number of topics — from visitation rights to gag orders to announcing a new attorney for Britney.

Primary among these will be the likely request by Brit's side that the singer, who for now only has the right to speak to her boys, Sean Preston, 2, and one-year-old Jayden James, over the phone, be allowed to spend some supervised time with them.

"She has regular conversations with the boys," a source close to the Spears family confirms to OK!. "But obviously since they're so young, there's only so much connecting you can do over the phone."

However, sources tell OK! that it's unlikely the Commissioner will grant any change in the current visitation privileges until a complete psychological evaluation is completed.

Next up on the day's legal menu is the gag order that OK! reported about over the weekend. This was actually something Brit's legal team had requested be put in place in late 2007, but is only now coming up on the agenda. If granted, it would bar everyone involved in the case from speaking publicly about the matter.

But perhaps the most crucial issue to come before the court today would be the changing of Brit's legal guard. Last week, her current reps from Trope & Trope filed another request with the court to be removed immediately from the case. Many insiders believe that their replacement will be named during today's hearing. And while some say Brit's original attorney Laura Wasser will return to the fray, OK!'s sources are saying the most likely replacement is divorce-attorney-to-the-stars Stacy Phillips.

Stay tuned to OK! throughout the day as this story develops.

Source: OK Magazine

Britney's Lawyers Prepare for Custody Hearing

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

Attorneys for Britney Spears return to court Tuesday morning for the first scheduled custody hearing since the pop star's most recent hospitalization.

Insiders doubt there will be any major change from the current custody arrangement, which bars Spears from visiting her sons Preston, 2, and Jayden, 1. (She is, however, allowed telephone contact.) Still, it's possible the 26-year-old singer – who hasn't seen the boys since her Jan. 3 standoff with police – could be awarded some temporary physical access.

Tuesday's court session – which was scheduled after Spears's stay in the psych ward at the UCLA Medical Center – sets the stage for more major hearings in the coming weeks, as Spears and Kevin Federline seek to reevaluate their custody agreement. (Her former husband and backup dancer is seeking full physical custody.)

The judge may also hear arguments from Federline's attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, who has asked for a full psychological evaluation of the troubled pop star.

But the biggest news out of today's hearing could be a change in representation for Spears. Los Angeles attorney Sorrell Trope has asked – for the second time – to be released from the case. (The law firm of Trope & Trope filed similar papers in January, but later withdrew the request.

Possible replacements include Laura Wasser, who resigned from Spears's case in September. At the time, she denied "dumping" Spears, telling PEOPLE the singer's legal team simply needed "fresh blood." But Wasser appears to be back in the picture, after reportedly visiting Spears during her UCLA stay.

Source: People

Mediabase Chart Update!

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Source: Break The Nice

New Britney Pictures!

New pictures of Britney at Shu tonight with her assistant. See them all here!

Source: Wenn/Breathe Heavy

Spears Salon Owner Sick Of Britney's Buzz Cut Fuss

The following italicized article is taken from www.hollywood.tv:

The owner of the hair salon that BRITNEY SPEARS made famous by calling in for a buzz cut a year ago (16Feb07) wishes the troubled pop star had chosen another stylist.

On the anniversary of Spears' shocking style choice, which hit headlines around the globe, Esther's Salon owner Esther Tognozzi regrets shaving off the pop star's locks - because it has turned her business into a tourist curiosity.

Tognozzi tells America's People magazine, "It was a major disruption in my life. I have tourists come by from other countries, and we keep the door locked since people try and sneak in to take pictures or sit in the chair she sat in."

The Spears buzz cut story also led to pranksters calling the salon, and Tognozzi has spent the last year denying reports she's selling off her one-time superstar client's hair.

She adds, "They (people) were using my identity. Talk about an invasion of privacy. I got a little glimpse of her world, and it makes me feel bad for her."

Tognozzi insists she still has Spears' hair and the buzzer used to shave the singer, and she is waiting for the pop star to retrieve the items herself. She says, "People offered me quite a bit to buy it, especially in the first 48 hours since they wanted to drug test it. It would be nice if she came back and collected it.

The stylist hopes Spears will eventually repay her for her discretion - and write Tognozzi a cheque for her favourite charity, an Armenian orphanage.

Source: Hollywood.tv

Avril On Britney: How Does She Think?

The following italicized article is taken from www.hollyscoop.com:

No one else has it as hard as Britney...I feel bad for her. How does she even think with all those flashbulbs?"

Avril Lavigne shows some sympathy for Britney Spears in Maxim magazine.

Source: Hollyscoop