Britney counts cost of divorce
2008-08-19 21:29
Los Angeles - Britney Spears's recently resolved custody dispute with ex-husband Kevin Federline wasn't just messy, it was expensive too.
Court documents show legal bills submitted on behalf of two law firms who represented Britney total more than $466 000. That's on top of the $250 000 the 26-year-old pop singer has agreed to pay Kevin's attorneys.
The largest bill comes from attorney Stacy D Phillips, who says in court filings that she is owed nearly $407 000 for four months of work. Phillips claims she has written off another $125 000 in fees.
Attorney Laura Wasser, who took over the case in June and negotiated an agreement between Kevin and Britney that allows the singer more time with her young sons, is seeking $60 000. She worked on the case for nearly two months.
Kevin retains full custody of the children, but Britney has some overnight visits.
Britney and Kevin were married in 2004 and completed their divorce last July. She pays him $20 000 a month under an agreement finalised in July.
Phillips claims in court documents the case was made more complicated because Britney is under the temporary conservatorship of her father, James.
He took control of his daughter's personal and financial affairs after a series of high-profile incidents of erratic behaviour and two hospitalisations.
Any payments will have to be approved by a Los Angeles court commissioner, and attorneys representing Britney's and her father's interests indicated last week in court they intend to contest Phillips' bill.
- AP