 |
|
|
In order for Britney Spears to keep her children, the troubled singer must stay clean and thus undergo drug and alcohol testing twice a week at random dates and times, a Los Angeles judge ruled on Monday.
During Monday’s closed hearing, Judge Scott M. Gordon set and elaborated list of rules that both Britney and her ex-hubby Kevin Federline must respect in order to retain the custody of their two sons, Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1.
Given the intensity of the media interest in Britney and K-Fed’s custody battle, the judge issued a written ruling late on Monday to unseal some of the documents belonging to their case.
"The evidence presented in this case clearly demonstrates a tremendous and ongoing media interest," the ruling wrote. The judge also believes that releasing some of the documents is actually in the best interest of both parties. However, no private details such as addresses, visitation schedules or social security numbers will be published, E!Online reported.
According to USmagazine.com, the list, which was revealed yesterday, September 18, includes the following shared requirements for the former couple:
• Neither Brit nor K-fed can take Sean and Jayden out of state without the written consent of the other.
• The exes cannot make derogatory statements about each other.
• Both parents must complete the "Parenting Without Conflict" program.
• Each party is restrained from using corporal punishment with the children or allowing anyone else to.
• They are required to engage in joint co-parenting counseling.
• Neither party may consume alcohol or non-prescription controlled substances 12 hours prior to taking custody of the children.
• They must ensure that any prospective childcare professionals hold valid Red Cross infant CPR training.
In addition to these, the judge made another set of rules for Britney to follow solo in order to keep the current joint custody agreement. She is required to:
• Attend individual counseling at least once a week to address parenting issues.
• Meet with a parenting coach for a minimum of 8 hours a week, in at least two sessions a week. The coach is to observe her parenting skills and her interaction with her sons and provide Federline with a written progress report by October 22.
• And, "based on the evidence presented, the Court finds that there is a habitual, frequent, and continuous use of controlled substances by Petitioner [Spears]," will have to undergo testing for controlled substances and alcohol. The testing shall be conducted twice per week on random dates and times, and the results will be forwarded to the court.
The ruling was issued on the same day Britney’s management company ended the contract with the singer, after a months of collaboration.
"It saddens us to confirm media reports that we have terminated our professional relationship with Britney Spears," Jeff Kwatinetz, chief executive of the Beverly Hills talent management company the Firm said in a statement.
"We have represented Britney for the past month. We believe Britney is enormously talented, and has made a terrific record. But current circumstances have prevented us from doing our job. We wish Britney the best."
Attorney Laura Wasser filed the papers to drop Britney’s case little before Kwatinetz’s announcement. She has since found a new lawyer in Marci Levine.
© 2007 - 2008 - eFluxMedia