A judge on Wednesday suspended Britney Spears’ father, Jamie Spears, from the conservatorship that has controlled the singer’s life and money for 13 years. Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny agreed with a petition from Spears and her attorney, Mathew Rosengart, that James “Jamie” Spears needs to give up his role as conservator. The move is a major victory for Ms. Spears, who pleaded during hearings held in June and July that her father needed to be removed as conservator. After hearing arguments from both sides, judge Penny said: “The current situation is untenable. It reflects a toxic environment which requires the suspension of James Spears.”

James Spears sought the conservatorship in 2008 and had been its primary controller; however, he reversed course in recent weeks, asking the judge to end the conservatorship. Britney Spears and her attorney Rosengart emphasized in court papers the importance of removing her father, calling it a necessary first step toward her freedom.  Jodi Montgomery, a court-appointed professional, now acts as conservator of Britney Spears’ person, and Rosengart said in court documents that Montgomery also consents to ending the conservatorship so long as it can be done safely and smoothly. The conservatorship was established in 2008 when Britney Spears’ began to have public mental struggles as the press and paparazzi aggressively followed her.

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