Former pop star Britney Spears has been released from the UCLA Medical Center today after nearly a week of treatment for mental problems. She slipped out with a modest security detail. Apparently, the doctors decided that Britney is no immediate threat to herself and others, which means they lost the grounds to hold her institutionalized against her will.

A "source close to the Spears family" confirmed to E! that the singer left the hospital shortly before noon and headed for her home in Beverly Hills. Reportedly, she became more cooperative and calm which allowed her to be released earlier than the 14 days announced initially. TMZ reported that Britney left her Summit house, driving her brand new black Mercedes. Watch out! Don't park near her car and watch your feet!

The singer is expected to continue receiving psychiatric treatment as an outpatient.

Britney Spears failed to regain control of her finances Monday as a court ruled that father Jamie Spears would continue co-conservatorship. Her release from the hospital does not change the ruling. Jamie Spears and lawyer Andrew Wallet will remain co-conservators of the singer’s estate through Feb. 14, when a court hearing has been scheduled.

Jamie Spears inaugurated his conservatorship of his daughter’s estate by seeking a restraining order against so-called manager and friend Sam Lutfi. The restraining order was issued Friday but Spears’ attorneys told the court they had not been able to subpoena Lutfi with the order, as he refused to open the door when approached.

Jamie Spears was named temporary co-conservator of his daughter’s estate last Friday, after he and Lynne Spears expressed their belief that Lutfi’s influence was placing their daughter and her assets at risk.

Britney had been hospitalized for the second time in less than one month the day before, transported to UCLA Medical Center by ambulance and escorted by police motorcycles, cars and helicopters. She was initially placed on a 72-hour hold for psychiatric evaluation. Her stay was extended to 14 more days Monday, but today it was cut short, apparently due to her cooperation with the treatment.

The troubled mother of two has been diagnosed with severe bipolar disorder. Sole custody of Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1, has been awarded to ex-husband Kevin Federline.