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Britney Spears’ father Jamie officially files to end conservatorship after 13 years

The arrangement has controlled most aspects of the Britney's life since 2008.

By Alastair James

Words: Alastair James; pictures: Instagram/@britneyspears

Britney Spears’ dad, Jamie Spears, has filed to end the conservatorship that has ruled the singer’s life since 2008.

The arrangement, which has seen Mr. Spears have oversight of his daughter’s life and finances, began in 2008 following the ‘Stronger’ singer’s widely publicised personal struggles.

In the papers filed to a Los Angeles court on Tuesday (7 September), Jamie Spears said a court should consider whether the conservatorship is required.

“Another legal victory”

In the papers filed on Tuesday, as reported by the BBC, Jamie Spears said: “Recent events related to this conservatorship have called into question whether circumstances have changed to such an extent that grounds for the establishment of a conservatorship may no longer exist.

“If Ms. Spears wants to terminate the conservatorship and believes that she can handle her own life, Mr. Spears believes that she should get that chance.”

A judge now needs to approve the move. 

Britney’s lawyer, Matthew Rosengart, said in an email to AP the filing “represents another legal victory for Britney Spears — a massive one — as well as vindication for Ms. Spears.” Britney has yet to respond to the news herself publicly. 

This latest announcement follows a series of developments in the campaign to free Britney, 39, from her father’s control. Most recently, in August, Mr. Spears said he would step back from his position “when the time is right,” but gave no idea of when that would be.

That followed Britney’s explosive and emotional testimony in court in June, and a later court appearance where she accused her father of “conservatorship abuse” and detailed the extent of his control over her for the last 13 years. This included him preventing her from getting married and having children.

In June, the ‘Toxic’ singer also revealed she’d been dealing with depression saying, “I thought I just maybe if I said that enough maybe I might become happy because I’ve been in denial. I’ve been in shock. I am traumatized.”

The last year has seen the Free Britney movement gain momentum with the release of documentaries examining the singer’s life, and celebrities, such as Madonna, joining in calls for Britney to be released.

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