LOS ANGELES (Map, News) - Britney Spears will have expanded visits with her sons following a child-custody hearing that went off without a hitch Tuesday, capping a three-month period of relative calm and stability for the troubled pop star and mother of two.

The longer visits are "recognition of the progress that has been made, a progress in structure and stability," said Mark Vincent Kaplan, lawyer for Spears' ex-husband Kevin Federline. At a post-hearing press conference, Kaplan said Federline retains custody of 2-year-old Sean Preston and 1-year-old Jayden James, but that Spears would be allowed to see them for longer periods.

Surrounded by lawyers and her parents, Spears smiled slightly, looked straight ahead and did not respond to questions as she left the hearing, which was closed to reporters. Federline left a few minutes later, smiled at everyone, but also did not comment.

"We are so pleased with Britney's progress and we are very appreciative of the court's recognition of this progress," Spears' parents, Jamie and Lynne Spears, said in a statement read by court spokesman Allan Parachini.

Federline spokesman Elliot Mintz said his client is "extremely pleased with the way things went today."

Kaplan said one of the major changes is that "there are not daily events" to undermine the situation, and that he expected to see further progress from Spears. He said "the children are doing great," adding that Federline hopes they will one day have a more constant relationship with their mother.

"Consistently, we've said that Kevin's goal and hope is that his children will have the benefit sometime in the future of having two parents actively participating in their lives," he said.

A hearing was set for July 15 to get a progress report on the new arrangement.

It was clear from the beginning that Tuesday's hearing would be different from past courthouse spectacles, which included screaming fans with banners, frenzied paparazzi and Spears dressed in cocktail-party attire. The collection of photographers, reporters, sheriff's deputies and prospective jurors who witnessed Spears' arrival in the front of a white Land Rover didn't compare to the circus at a January hearing, when she showed up in a black minidress and gold platform shoes, then bolted before entering the courtroom.

On Tuesday, a somber Spears entered court wearing a brown polka-dot dress and white sweater. Federline arrived about 15 minutes later in a beige pinstriped suit. Moments after Superior Court Commissioner Scott Gordon swore them in, Spears attorney Stacy Phillips asked that the hearing be closed, and Gordon ordered reporters out.

It's been three months since Spears left a psychiatric ward a week ahead of schedule and stirred up a paparazzi car chase, a scene that looked like the beginning of even more erratic behavior. But in the weeks that followed, she lay low and largely avoided the cameras, spent time with family members and even found success in a cameo appearance on CBS' "How I Met Your Mother."

During that time, the 26-year-old pop star has been under the conservatorship of her father. The court-ordered arrangement put James Spears in control of his daughter's personal and financial affairs.

Federline has had full custody of his two sons by Spears since January, when police were called to Spears' home and taken by ambulance to UCLA Medical Center after she refused to relinquish one of the boys to a Federline bodyguard. Her visitation rights were suspended at the time, but have been gradually restored in recent months.

Spears was a constant media presence before the conservatorship took effect. Photographers captured her every visit to Starbucks and gas stations around Los Angeles, and documented a bout of bizarre behavior that included appearing in public without underwear, shaving her own head and beating a car with an umbrella.

Since James Spears took over her affairs, the pop star has been relatively invisible to photographers, only occasionally snapped shopping or having dinner with her mother, Lynne. A traffic accident last month turned out to be a minor bump in which no one was injured, and for which no one was cited.

Spears' public face has been limited to the "How I Met Your Mother" cameo, which was received well enough that she reprised it during a taping last week. The episode is set to air May 12.

"We're thrilled to have Britney joining us once again," series executive producer and co-creator Craig Thomas said in a statement last month. The show's audience increased by a million viewers the week Spears appeared.

The pop star also made news last month when she took on full-time exercise and nutrition coaches from Bally Total Fitness. Once known for her flawless figure, Spears was widely ridiculed for her flabby form in September during a universally panned performance on the MTV Video Music Awards that was meant to herald her comeback.

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AP Entertainment Writer Sandy Cohen contributed to this story.

Comments from Examiner Readers

9:50 AM MST on Wed., Apr. 16, 2008 re: "Britney Spears unhurt after minor accident on the freeway"

Grumpy said:
Who cares? Why does the media think it is important to report anything this tramp does? Look up "slut" in the dictionary and you will see a picture of Brit.

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5:46 AM MST on Sat., Mar. 8, 2008 re: "Spears Conservatorship Extended"

Examiner Reader said:
I think Britney Really isn't sure of how she has effected herself and her family and no one is helping her the way she will understand that it is help and not punishment,but people have helped her just not exatly perfectly, because she has had enough punishment for one life.

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5:38 AM MST on Sat., Mar. 8, 2008 re: "Britney Spears Visits Her 2 Young Sons"

Examiner Reader said:
Great info that I have recived and it was very well said with info and I really enjoy reaing the Examiner.

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10:51 PM MST on Thu., Mar. 6, 2008 re: "Britney Spears' estate will advance her father $2,500 a week"

Examiner Reader said:
This case sounds no different than other guardianship abuse cases. The vultures will eat up this estate and all in the name of "protection." It is a disgrace. Guardianship and conservatorsip abuse needs to be outlawed. Shame on the court that allows this to happen!

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9:35 PM MST on Thu., Mar. 6, 2008 re: "Britney Spears' estate will advance her father $2,500 a week"

Examiner Reader said:
And it is just beginning. Watch the money start to pour out of her estate. When this is all over, it will have cost her a fortune.....all in the name of "conserving" her estate.

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10:52 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Britney Spears allowed to visit young songs"

Examiner Reader said:
How do you visit a song?

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11:17 AM MST on Sat., Feb. 16, 2008 re: "Experts Question Spears Lawyer's Moves"

Examiner Reader said:
I live in the country, a couple of months with me, taking care of my 37 dogs and 5 cats would get her mind straight and give her time to figure out what is most important in life, "family". She has just gotten caught up in the "fame of things". Somebody needs to bring this girl back to earth and teach her what is most important in life, "Family"

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12:30 AM MST on Sat., Feb. 16, 2008 re: "Unusual Legal Filing in Spears Case"

Examiner Reader said:
I'm not a legal expert, but my grammer is usually pretty good. My guess is that a "conservator", among other things is supppose to "conserve". In her divorce proceedings they said that she had $125 million, but now only $40M - which could mean that she is actually broke - if the $40M in assets includes the future value of antcipated royalties - said to be about $750K per month. Do the math. Hopefully the court appointed attorney will represent her without too much spending, which cant necessarily be said for the usual Hollywood or New York crowd. Even K-Fed is asking $500K for legal fees, obviously the money burns quickly the more lawyers are involved. And as for "civil rights" there is the thing called the Constitution which says "no one may be deprived ... without due process" so obviously, Britters has lost some rigts, but that's not what would be at issue, its does this conservator business protect her due process?

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4:51 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 15, 2008 re: "Spears Conservatorship Extended"

Examiner Reader said:
Brittney needs to help desparately she needs everyone to pray for her who else but her father loves her enough to take control of her life which is spiralling out of control what does it matter about money when she cannot even love or take care of her children what one earth is wrong with people anyway let's all pray for this poor girl her children and her family

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5:24 PM MST on Tue., Feb. 12, 2008 re: "Documents: Manager Got Car to Britney"

Examiner Reader said:
Whether or not she can retain an attorney is a tricky question. With indictment pending against Pearlman for the Ponzi scheme, and the various payola scandals as previously mentioned, it might be hard to find an arts lawyer who does not in some way have dirty hands. Hey, even New Line is being sued for not paying the Toliken estate for the movies, and what what was it about the Beatles never getting paid for a large share of their international publishing rights. Britters has been sued many times for stealing music, now she steals cigarette lighters, clothing (over $50,000 owed to one fashion designer) and walking out on other sessions, need I go on? Where were her laywers when all of this was going on? Obviously with a 17 million dollar tax audit, somebody either didnt file some returns, or they committed fraud by saying that they paid bills that went unpaid. Look up 18 USC 1589, i.e. the section on "slavery - obtaining labor or services by abuse of legal process". Need I go on?

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12:48 AM MST on Tue., Feb. 12, 2008 re: "Documents: Manager Got Car to Britney"

Examiner Reader said:
Under the guise of her best interests Spears father was wrangled complete control of her fortune and even her ability to select an attorney who would fight this decision on her behalf? She was released from the hospital by a licensed professional because without evidence of being a danger to herself or others it is illegal to otherwise hold her. What kind of payola must the judge have gotten to write an order such as this? Peventing her from retaining an attorny unless approved by her father who is obviously adversey. Her parents and Kevin Fedderline see thier gravy train threatened. She needs protected from these people.

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8:46 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 8, 2008 re: "Britney Spears' father given power to fire her manager"

Examiner Reader said:
Hopefully we well get some good news - you know like Lou Pearlman indicted, etc. Given all of the other news like the payola scandal with the New York stations, and so on - does anybody REALLY know what is going on? Gotta figure that Britters was 17 when her contracts were signed ... and that might have something to do with whether or not she is or WAS competent to represent herself, or hire counsel (that isnt about to be indicted maybe?), or whatever. Fire all the racketeers ... bye bye Larry, bye bye Lou (you really gotta go now), bye bye Howard, bye, bye, bye, bye Sam .... lock 'em all up.

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5:29 PM MST on Tue., Feb. 5, 2008 re: "Court Docs: Spears Controlled by Manager"

Examiner Reader said:
Hi I truly believe thazt Brittany's mother has ruined most of her life. Brittany has worked since she was young, and her mother kept conplete control of her money. Brittany suppported her whole family for many years, and finally got disgusted of it. If her parents were so interested in Brittany, why would they go to court the ask to be temporary custodians of her estate. Wouldn't you think that their first priority would be her mental status. No they were interested in her MONEY. I don't know much about Sam, but it appears that he was the only one that could handle Brittany, and went everywhere with her including court. Sam was the one that contacted Barbara Walters about her mental condition, and wanted to get help for her. You only see her parents when she is hospitalized. I have believed for a long time that Brittany suffered from bi-polar, depression, and other cormorbity diagnosis. Many people do not want to take medication, and that is true of many people I know. LOVE YA!!!!!!

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3:22 PM MST on Tue., Feb. 5, 2008 re: "Court Docs: Spears Controlled by Manager"

Examiner Reader said:
To 1:27.....apparently you since you bothered to post yourself.

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1:27 PM MST on Tue., Feb. 5, 2008 re: "Spears' Manager Accused of Drugging Her"

Examiner Reader said:
The fact that this story has any replies shows just how pathetic people have become regarding celebrity worship. Yawn... who cares?

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5:16 PM MST on Mon., Feb. 4, 2008 re: "Spears Doesn't Want Dad As Conservator"

Gia said:
Britney, are you are heroin? I know it is not crack or speed, you're too hefty! If so, you are really doomed. No female celebrity ever gets their career back after heroin. Being a female celebrity requires that you are physically appealing, for the most part, and being a junkie makes a woman quite the opposite of appealing; scary. And you are very scary, Britney.

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5:10 PM MST on Mon., Feb. 4, 2008 re: "Spears Doesn't Want Dad As Conservator"

Bruitneighue!! said:
how is it when this and trillions of other articles, MTV, VH1, her albums, her marquis, her spokespersonships and so many other sources clearly indicate that her name is a badly spelled B-R-I-T-N-E-Y, do almost all of her actual "fans" spell it Brittany, Britiny, Brittinee, Britunney, Brytnniye; anything but the inbred version? Anyway, she needs to move over once and for all, so the next big (not referring to dress size, sorry Britney) thing can take over, and hopefully with a lot more class (are you listening Cristina?).

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8:15 PM MST on Sun., Feb. 3, 2008 re: "Britney Spears remains in psychiatric hospital"

Examiner Reader said:
I feel sorry for Britney and the media is not helping the matter at all as they are always every where so goes. I think the best thing for her is to take a long vacation away from every one to rechard her batteries untill all this blows over. It is normal when things go bad that we tend to find other ways to enjoy our selves by going out who wouldn't, but how much is too much? I also feel the court is wrong to place her estate inthe hands of her father as this will cause more problems between the family and tear them apart as they might use this to get her money.. it should have been placed in the hands of people who are not involved with the family this would of been the better thing to do till she gets back into action. OR perhaps Justin, it was just a thought. MEDIA Leave her ALONE Give her space to think your all driving her nuts!!!

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7:32 PM MST on Sun., Feb. 3, 2008 re: "Spears to Stay in Hospital 14 More Days"

Examiner Reader said:
what a shame she would still be incredible if she had her head on strait...

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7:26 PM MST on Sun., Feb. 3, 2008 re: "Spears to Stay in Hospital 14 More Days"

Examiner Reader said:
"Crack makes you wacked" What a shame.

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7:12 PM MST on Sun., Feb. 3, 2008 re: "Spears to Stay in Hospital 14 More Days"

Examiner Reader said:
Britney is a waste of talent and will never get conrol of herself. she deserves to be locked away forever and never see the light of day again.

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7:06 PM MST on Sun., Feb. 3, 2008 re: "Spears to Stay in Hospital 14 More Days"

Examiner Reader said:
shes a loser

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10:12 AM MST on Sun., Feb. 3, 2008 re: "Britney Spears remains in psychiatric hospital"

Examiner Reader said:
Well its about time she is getting the help that she needs desperatly. Its is also gonna be different this time because of her Father being conservator!! I used to be a huge fan but her behavior is now digusting. This is not the same sparkling Brit we all used to love. I pray she gets the help she needs for her childrens sake and herself. I also pray she never strays again.

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11:48 PM MST on Sat., Feb. 2, 2008 re: "Britney Spears remains in psychiatric hospital"

Examiner Reader said:
Britany my heart and soul is with you all the way!! i love ya Britany i am 100% behind you as a true fan should be!! I prayer for you to get better for you and your kids hang in there your forever fan love ya

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12:33 PM MST on Sat., Feb. 2, 2008 re: "Britney Spears remains in psychiatric hospital"

Examiner Reader said:
Who cares about this garbage. This isn't news.

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11:46 AM MST on Sat., Feb. 2, 2008 re: "Britney Spears remains in psychiatric hospital"

Examiner Reader said:
who ever said die and get over it needs help themselves. That was wrong for saying. She has a serious problem now and needs help big time. Her parents are doing what is best for there daughter. Apparently she can't even handle it herself so having her parents in control might be a good thing right. Yes they might have made some mistakes but nobody is perfect.

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6:53 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 1, 2008 re: "Court: Spears' Dad Has Temporary Control"

Examiner Reader said:
Mom and dad should be real happy. Now they have control of all her money. That was the goal all along.

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1:13 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 1, 2008 re: "Britney Spears' parents make surprise appearance in LA court"

Examiner Reader said:
To much of a good thing is not a good thing!

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4:23 PM MST on Thu., Jan. 31, 2008 re: "Spears Behavior 'On Hold' in Hospital"

Examiner Reader said:
I think this is beyond simple immaturity. The lady has problems.

117 agree | 97 disagree
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8:03 PM MST on Thu., Oct. 25, 2007 re: "Britney Spears Avoids Hit-And-Run Trial"

Examiner Reader said:
Ahh,me Britney,a trailer in the woods.If it's rockin',don't bother knockin'.

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7:57 AM MST on Fri., Sep. 28, 2007 re: "Spears Charged in LA Parking Lot Crash"

Examiner Reader said:
Britney needs to grow up, she is not a cute little pop stare anymore. She is about to loose everything. I don't think she even cares..I think she thinks she is untouchable, her bubble needs to be poped!!!!!!

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8:36 AM MST on Sat., Sep. 22, 2007 re: "Spears Charged in LA Parking Lot Crash"

WKR said:
Haha, you Brit fans must be around 12 - 13 years old. Britney Spears is an awful performer. Cant even sing her lyrics and has to use sound taped background. Shes got her head where the sun dont shine. ie; she hit this car then got out only to inspect her own car. Didnt even look at the car she hit the other innocent victims car. That woman should sue Britney for all she can. Britney is an egotistical arrogant trailer trash loser. She isnt even good looking anymore and doesnt take care of herself. She screaming out for attention by not wearing underwear, shaving her head, etc, acting like the idiot she really is. Britney is and always has been a B or C class nightclub dance girl. She should go get a job at a strip joint where she's been hanging out lately!!!

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12:47 AM MST on Mon., May. 21, 2007 re: "Britney is back: Pop princess Spears takes the stage in San Diego"

jem said:
i still love britney.... i know the britney that i have loved before will come back again....

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7:06 PM MST on Sun., May. 13, 2007 re: "Britney Gives Concert at SoCal Club"

Examiner Reader said:
brit we miss ya

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11:47 AM MST on Mon., May. 7, 2007 re: "Spears Gives Brief Concert at SoCal Club"

Examiner Reader said:
i think she needs to get a life a real one where their is no wanna be man around her and man who can't stand up to responsibility she is a great performer and don't need those kind of people around she needs strong men those who know how to love,care and always be there.

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11:22 PM MST on Wed., May. 2, 2007 re: "Britney Is Back, Appears at SoCal Club"

Examiner Reader said:
I am so proud of Britney, go ahead and reclaim your throne, I'll admit at first I wasn't a big fan of hers because of all the crazy antics she has pulled lately everyone has problems in and through out their lives but it's how you endure them that makes us the real winners in life, I think what she needs is to focus more now on whats best for her and that is being a great performer and mother the longer she dwells on her life with K-Fed the longer her career will will suffer she's a great performer and I hope a great mother so with that in mind will the real Brittney Spears please reclaim your throne and welcome back to the world as you once knew it as pop-princess diva.

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