Britney Spears's Father Has Petitioned to End Her Conservatorship
According to a court filing obtained by People, Britney Spears's father, Jamie Spears, has filed to end the conservatorship he has had over her for 13 years. Though he reluctantly stepped down as the conservator in mid-August, Jamie had been in control of Britney's personal and financial life for over a decade beforehand, which she detailed in explosive testimony earlier this year, saying the arrangement forced her into work obligations she wouldn't have chosen, and that it forbade her from having her IUD removed or marrying her longtime partner.
After he stepped down, a judge was to appoint a new conservator to oversee Britney's decisions, but Jamie's filing asks that the arrangement be dissolved instead.
"Recent events related to this conservatorship have called into question whether circumstances have changed to such an extent that grounds for establishment of a conservatorship may no longer exist," the filing states, according to People. "Ms. Spears has told this Court that she wants control of her life back without the safety rails of a conservatorship."
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When Jamie Spears stepped down as Britney's conservator mere weeks ago, documents stated that he was doing so not because it was in his daughter's best interest, but because an "ongoing battle" over the conservatorship wouldn't be. Britney has contended that she desires — and feels capable of living — life on her own terms. Now, either her father agrees that she's ready to regain control, or he has decided that if he isn't going to be her conservator, then nobody else should, either.
Tuesday's filing adds, "[Britney] is entitled to have this Court now seriously consider whether this conservatorship is no longer required."
In a statement obtained by People, Britney's lawyer Mathew Rosengart called the petition to end the conservatorship a "massive legal victory." We know the #FreeBritney fans would have to agree.
"Having exposed his misconduct and improper plan to hold his daughter hostage by trying to extract a multi-million dollar settlement, Mr. Spears has now effectively surrendered. There is no settlement," said Rosengart. "To the extent Mr. Spears believes he can try to avoid accountability and justice, including sitting for a sworn deposition and answering other discovery under oath, he is incorrect and our investigation into financial mismanagement and other issues will continue."