Britney Spears' father moves to end conservatorship — but court battle far from over
In a shocking turn of events, Jamie Spears has filed to end his pop star daughter's controversial 13-year conservatorship, moving to resolve a polarizing legal battle that's drawn massive public scrutiny.
In court filings late Tuesday, the elder Spears stated that Britney “is entitled to have this Court now seriously consider whether this conservatorship is no longer required.”
The document read that Britney Spears’ circumstances have changed “to such an extent that grounds for establishment of a conservatorship may no longer exist,” NBC News reports.
The move comes after Jamie signaled that he'd be willing to step down as sole conservator of her estate — but only when the time was "right" and a "smooth transition" could occur.
'Things have changed'
“The conservatorship has helped Ms. Spears get through a major life crisis, rehabilitate and advance her career, and put her finances and her affairs in order. But recently, things have changed,” the filing read.
“Ms. Spears is now outspoken in her frustration with the level of control imposed by a conservatorship, and has pleaded with this Court to ‘let her have her life back," the document added.
Britney's lawyer, Matthew Rosengart, responded to the filing in a statement to Yahoo Finance, calling it a "massive legal victory" as well as major "vindication" for the 39 year-old pop star.
"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," Rosengart continued.
He referenced a previous court filing claiming Jamie's desire to “extort” $2 million in compensation in order to step down from the conservatorship.
"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," Rosengart warned.
Jamie Spears' legal team did not immediately respond to an inquiry from Yahoo Finance.
Since 2008, Jamie Spears has controlled his daughter's estimated $60 million estate. In previous court filings, Rosengart claimed that Jamie is not capable of successfully handling Britney's fortune, noting that the Spears family struggled financially under his leadership and filed for bankruptcy in 1998.
Previous filings also revealed just how much money Jamie receives through the current arrangement, which includes a monthly allowance of $16,000, plus $2,000 a month for office expenses. He also received 1.5% of the gross revenues from the singer's Las Vegas residency, which brought in $137.7 million. Jamie's cut alone was at least $2.1 million.
Earlier this year, Britney began to publicly speak out against the conservatorship, claiming to have been "traumatized" by the "abusive" legal arrangement. Among other claims, the singer testified that she was required to take birth control, bipolar medication and to perform against her will.
Tuesday's filing argued that Britney should not be required to submit a medical evaluation in order to end the conservatorship (something the pop star previously said she did not want), as it is not a requirement under California probate law.
Ultimately, Judge Brenda Penny will decide whether or not the conservatorship will end. The next court hearing is currently scheduled for September 29.
Alexandra is a Producer & Entertainment Correspondent at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @alliecanal8193
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