Update: Hearing in Federline custody dispute allows Britney Spears one monitored overnight visit per week
Update: In a hearing this afternoon, Britney received rights to a once-a-week overnight visit with her sons, provided a court-approved, non-related monitor is there to supervise. After the hearing, Britney’s lawyer said,
I consider this a very positive sign for my client. I have everyexpectation that she will comply with all the orders made by the court.I remain absolutely optimistic that she will eventually regain 50-50custody.
Originally posted 4 pm: An emergency motion filed yesterday by Britney Spears seeking approval of overnight visits for her two children — Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1 — was ill-received by Judge Scott Gordon today, who scoffed at the notion that the pop star’s request constituted an ‘emergency.’ Responding to claims by Britney that the boys are "developmentally and psychologically" traumatized by the current visitation schedule — instituted after Britney failed to undergo court-mandated drug testing — Judge Gordon reminded Britney’s attorney Anne Kiley that it was her client who "made a conscious choice not to do anything that was ordered." Added the court,
That was a choice. That put us in this position.
According to Anne, the supervised visits Britney currently enjoys with her children end at 3 p.m., while Sean and Jayden are still napping. They are then awakened prematurely for their return to dad Kevin Federline, depriving the boys of a "normal" routine. Argued Anne,
I do think it is an emergency for a 2 and 1-year-old to be with their mother. I feel it warrants overnights…They need a normal routine at home.
In apparent agreement, albeit from a different perspective, Judge Gordon told Anne "I think you are right" and that "these are important times" in the the lives of Sean and Jayden.
But at the same time [Britney] is a person who is dealing with challenges. And the challenges are substance abuse issues and emotional issues that could have devastating effects on the children.
Judge Gordon did not rule on Britney’s request for overnight visitation privileges, nor on a separate request that her mom Lynne Spears — with whom Britney recently reconciled — be allowed to fulfill the role of supervisor of Britney’s daytime visits with the boys.
