Britney's Conservatorship Extended

In a move predicted by most people who have been following the life of pop superstar Britney Spears, it was announced today that the singer has "reluctantly agreed" to the extension of her father's conservatorship over her financial, legal and personal matters. This latest extension could keep Jamie Spears in charge through Dec. 31.

"In regard to the conservatorship of the person, it is my understanding that Ms. Spears reluctantly agreed to extend the temporary letters to Dec. 31, 2008," said court commissioner Reva Goetz after this morning's hearings. "Those orders could be terminated earlier. A status hearing is acheduled for Oct. 28."

The conservatorship has been in place since Britney's hospitalization in February, after which a court sided with Jamie that his daughter was temporarily unable to make sound decisions regarding her finances and her life in general.

Also discussed in court today was the issue of fees Britney owes to her various lawyers. It was agreed that she is to make a partial payment of just under $200,000 in attorney fees to the lawyers representing her trust, her estate and her person. Another hearing is slated for Aug. 14 to discuss legal fees for Stacey Phillips and Laura Wasser, two of her lawyers in her just-ended custody battle, and her brother Bryan Spears, who was named  a c0-trustee over her assets.