A judge, ruling on the ongoing legal battle between Britney Spears and her father James Spears, has decided not to remove James as head of the pop star's conservatorship (legal guardianship). The conservatorship was established by court order in 2008, in the aftermath of Britney's public mental health breakdown.

Samuel D. Ingham III, the lawyer representing Britney, said that he plans to further petition the judge to remove her father. "My client has informed me that she is afraid of her father,” he noted, adding: “She will not perform again if her father is in charge of her career.”

Britney Spears has not had full control over her life or career since 2008, and if James Spears were to be removed from the conservatorship, it would mean a major development for the pop star. As her legal guardian, James had control of her finances and career decisions. James has occasionally shared conservator duties, but he largely exercised sole responsibilities over Britney’s assets.

Jodi Montgomery, an independent care manager, took over the conservator role on a temporary basis after James stepped aside for health reasons last year. According to Entertainment Tonight, Britney wished for Montgomery to remain in the role after August 22nd, when her appointment was set to finish.

Public outcry surrounding the conservatorship has been growing since last year, with fans complaining that James has been in control of his daughter's life for an unusually long period of time. In 2019, the singer's ex-husband Kevin Federline issued a restraining order against James after a supposed physical altercation between James and Federline and Britney's son, Sean Preston. When Andrew Wallet resigned as Britney's attorney in 2019, he stated that: “substantial detriment, irreparable harm, and immediate danger will result to the conservatee and her estate if the relief requested herein is not granted on an ex parte basis.”