It has been a number of years since pop star Britney Spears has been a household name in many parts of the world. Stories about her struggles with fame and mental health are almost as common as those about her stunning rise to the top of the pop charts in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. For the past 12 years, Spears’ father, James, has had broad control over Spears’ life and finances. She appeared in court last week looking to end his role as her sole conservator. The news was reported by CBC.
Sole conservatorship
Spears’ father has had sole conservatorship of her since about 2008. The role essentially gives James the authority any parent would have over a minor child, including decisions related to Spears’ health and finances. These types of arrangements are more commonly used when adults become unable to take care of themselves due to age or health issues later in life. However, conservatorships can also be put into place for someone like Spears, who is only 38 but has had issues with mental health and substance abuse.
Father steps down for health reasons
James Spears has had control over much of his daughter’s life since about 2008. For the first ten years of the conservatorship, he served in the role alongside a co-conservator who stepped away from the role in March 2018. James temporarily stepped away from the role last year after experiencing health problems that required hospitalization. It was at this time that Britney also stepped away from performing. She had been in the midst of planning a residency in Las Vegas at the time.
Since James’ health problems arose, the role of conservator has been fulfilled temporarily by Jodi Montgomery. Britney has asked the court to extent Montgomery’s role over her mental health while hoping to pass her finances over to a bank. Spears said she ultimately wanted to regain control of both. Meanwhile, James Spears sought to regain his position.
Judge decides to extend the status quo
In a hearing last week in Los Angeles, a judge opted to extend the current version of the conservatorship until February 1. In the meantime, both parties were asked to file petitions and objections for what would take place following the extension.
Spears said that she was thankful for the conservatorship in the past, stating it “rescued her from a collapse, exploitation by predatory individuals and financial ruin” adding that it made her “able to regain her position as a world-class entertainer.”
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