Friday, November 12, 2021

Britney Spears free from conservatorship, judge rules

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Britney Spears is free from her conservatorship after a judge ruled in favor of termination Friday, ending the 13-year arrangement that has legally stripped the pop star from making her own personal and financial decisions. 

Britney Spears' supporters gather outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, in Los Angeles (Mike Blake / Reuters)© Provided by NBC News Britney Spears' supporters gather outside the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, in Los Angeles (Mike Blake / Reuters)

"The court finds the conservatorship of Britney Jean Spears is no longer required," Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny ruled. Effective today, the conservatorship for Britney Spears' person and estate are terminated.

The entire hearing took just 31 minutes. Britney Spears herself did not make a phone or video appearance. Her attorney Mathew Rosengart cited her statements from her previous June hearing, in which she requested to terminate the conservatorship without a mental health evaluation.

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Speaking outside the courthouse on Friday, Rosengart addressed Britney Spears' future.

"What's next for Britney, and this is the first time this could be said for about a decade, is up to one person: Britney," Rosengart said. "I will say that Britney has been put into a position through our collaboration and the work of our law firm to succeed ... As of today, Britney is a free woman, she's an independent woman."

Britney Spears tweeted a video from the celebration outside the courthouse, writing, "Good God I love my fans so much it's crazy."

John Zabel, who was appointed temporary co-conservator of Britney Spears' estate in following her father's suspension, will retain administrative powers to assist in the transfer process. He will be allowed to execute estate planning documents and the transfer of assets. No parties objected to his continued role.

A hearing scheduled for Jan. 18 will finalize the transfer of assets and any other pending financial items.

Britney Spears informally asked the court to terminate her conservatorship during rare testimony June 23, during which she described her situation as abusive and traumatizing. Rosengart filed her official request for termination at the end of October, a month after her father, James “Jamie” Spears, was suspended as conservator.   

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