Judge Dissolves Britney Spears Guardianship

A Los Angeles judge on Friday ended the controversial guardianship that has controlled pop star Britney Spears’ life for the past 13 years, handing back her freedom along with control of a multi-million-dollar estate.

According to reports, the ruling, greeted with raucous cheers by Spears’ fans outside the downtown courthouse, ends a conservatorship long overseen by her father, and which the “Toxic” singer has described as abusive.

“Effective today… the conservatorship of the person and estate of Britney Jean Spears is hereby terminated. And that is the order of the court,” said Judge Brenda Penny.

The formal end to the guardianship comes after the pop princess’s father Jamie Spears was removed from his position in charge of her finances and estate at a hearing in September.

Both sides hammered on their support for swiftly ending the guardianship at the start of Friday’s brief hearing.

Jamie Spears denied that he abused his position in control of his daughter’s life and career and stated that Britney Spears “believes that she can handle her own life”.

In dissolving the conservatorship, Judge Penny agreed that John Zabel — the accountant chosen by Spears’ lawyers to replace her father is given the power by the court to manage her estate on her behalf.

According to media reports, Spears’ estate is estimated to be worth $60 million.

The professional conservator, Jodie Montgomery, was declared no longer responsible for decisions concerning Spears’ person, although her lawyer told the judge she would continue to “be there” for “anything Miss Spears needs”.