A child-custody hearing yesterday in Los Angeles concluded happily for singer
Britney Spears, whose visitation rights with her two young sons were extended
due to “progress” recognized by the judge.
Everyone left court smiling Tuesday morning, according to
media reports. “Progress” was also on everyone’s lips. Britney Spears was
joined by parents Jamie and Lynne Spears and lawyer Blair Berk, reports People,
while Kevin Federline appeared with lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan.
The exact details of Britney’s improved visitation time are
not known, but Kaplan told People the court order allowed for “an extension of
time.”
“It is a cautious step, but a step forward nonetheless,” Federline’s
lawyer said. “We are seeing signs of [Britney’s] progress, and consistency over
time is something welcome by Kevin ... The children are doing great.”
Federline has had full custody of sons Sean Preston, 2, and
Jayden James, 1, since January, a period in his former wife’s life when she
behaved particularly erratic and was hospitalized twice.
Over the past three months, she has had only monitored
visitation rights with the boys several times a week but no overnight
privileges were granted.
She has also been under the conservatorship of her father.
He maintains control of her personal and legal affairs with lawyer Andrew
Wallet until a July 31 hearing.
“We are so pleased with Britney’s progress, and we are
appreciative of the court’s recognition of this progress,” Jamie and Lynne
Spears said in statement after the hearing, read by court spokesman Allan
Parachini.
A hearing has been set for July 15 to get a progress report
on the new arrangement, reports the Associated Press.
Britney’s public appearances have been significantly more
discreet since her father became co-conservator, with no further display of odd
behavior that was previously duly captured by paparazzi.
Last week, she visited her hometown of Kentwood, La.
For her younger sister Jamie Lynn Spears’ baby shower. She is currently filming
a second episode of CBS sitcom “How I Met Your Mother,” which will air May
12.
