Freed: Britney Spears Conservatorship At An End, Fans Celebrate

LOS ANGELES, CA — The conservatorship that has controlled pop super star Britney Spears' life for nearly 14 years is at an end, thanks to the decision by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny. This marks a significant victory for the pop star, who has lashed out at those involved in the oversight of her multimillion-dollar fortune and personal life —most notably her father, who until recently served as conservator of her estate.

Spears' estate will now be under the temporary conservatorship of accountant John Zabel, who will be working on wrapping up financial issues. In September, Zabel came to the position after the judge suspended Spears' father, Jamie, from his role as conservator.

Pink confetti, cheers and waving flags from dozens of supporters rang out after Judge Penny read the ruling. Those present were part of the socially active #FreeBritney movement that evolved to end the control Spears' father had over her and her estate.

Both Spears and her boyfriend, Sam Asghari, posted photos of themselves Friday on Instagram sporting #FreeBritney T-shirts.

It was Jamie Spears himself who filed the motion to end the conservatorship in September. He was removed from his role as his daughter's conservator role following an array of accusations by the singer's lawyer, including allegations that the singer's father arranged to have listening devices secretly installed in Britney Spears' bedroom.

In court papers filed earlier this month, the 39-year-old entertainer's attorney, Mathew Rosengart, formally backed the proposal to end the 13-year conservatorship, while also suggesting the entertainer's father supported the move solely to avoid answering questions about his work as conservator of his daughter's estate.

Rosengart wrote that all interested parties consent to end the conservatorship, including Jamie Spears.

Rosengart quoted an Oct. 22 email from Jamie Spears' attorney saying the conservatorship "can be terminated immediately."

Rosengart added it is "of no moment, presently, whether Mr. Spears' reversal was motivated by a desire to bolster his reputation or to avoid his deposition or responding to the outstanding discovery served on him in August."

Attached to the document were copies of earlier filings outlining deposition questions for Jamie Spears and requests for information and other documents. Among the demands are for Jamie Spears to produce all documents and communications regarding "any recording or listening device in the home or bedroom of Britney Jean Spears," including all information "relating to the decision to place any such recording or listening devices that the records of any such recordings."

Rosengart also demanded any documents regarding "the electronic surveillance, monitoring, cloning or recording of the activity of Britney Jean Spears' personal telephone, including but not limited to the surveillance, monitoring, cloning, iCloud mirroring or recording of calls, e-mails, text messages, internet browser use or history and social media use or direct messages on social media."

Jamie Spears had been overseeing his daughter's estate since the conservatorship began 13 years ago, and the singer repeatedly demanded his removal from the role. During an emotional court appearance earlier this year, the singer accused her father and others involved in the conservatorship of abusive and restrictive behavior that included limiting her movements, forcing her into unwanted therapy sessions and giving her unneeded medications.

Jamie Spears' attorney has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing by the singer's father, including allegations that listening devices were planted in the singer's home.

The Britney Spears case has led to widespread questions about the conservatorship system and how it is applied — particularly in the case of a wildly popular singer who continued to perform and generate millions of dollars for her estate, even while under court oversight.

The end of the conservatorship does not mean the termination of hearings in the case. Another is scheduled for Jan. 19.

City News Service contributed to this report.