Britney to undergo psych test
2008-02-06 10:03
Los Angeles - Britney Spears is to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
The singer faces a full test before she can retain the authority to make her own legal decisions.
Britney's father Jamie was granted temporary control over her medical, legal and financial decisions after his daughter was sectioned last week.
On Monday, Britney's lawyer Adam Streisand attempted to have the decision reversed, but Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Reva Goetz ruled the pop star must undergo the evaluation.
Samuel Ingham, a court-appointed lawyer for Britney, testified that he spoke to the mother-of-two at the hospital for 15 minutes on Sunday, and admitted: "I think Ms Spears does not understand the nature of these proceedings, and I think she lacks the capacity to hire a private lawyer."
Los Angeles County Superior Court Public Information Officer, Allan Parachini, said: "The temporary conservatorship involving Ms Spears has been extended until a hearing on February 14.
"A court appointed physician was assigned to evaluate her competency. That physician's report is due at the court on February 13."
Father retains conservatorship
Jamie Spears retained co-conservatorship over Britney's estimated $40m estate along with his attorney Andrew Wallet.
During the hearing, it was also revealed Britney's former manager Sam Lutfi had ignored the restraining order imposed on him on Friday and has been contacting the singer via telephone.
Lawyers said Sam refused to answer his door when a legal representative attempted to serve him with the restraining order.
At the end of the hearing, a court spokesperson confirmed Sam is to have no contact with Britney by phone, email, text message or any other means.
Britney was involuntarily committed to the Stewart and Lynda Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at Los Angeles' UCLA Medical Centre last week for a 72-hour mental evaluation after being classed as GD (gravely disabled).
She will now spend an additional 14 days in the ward after her psychiatrist deemed she wasn't well enough to leave. - Bang Showbiz.com