Lindsay Lohan burst into tears when her mother and sister visited her in jail.

The troubled actress was cheered by the meeting but couldn't contain her emotions when Dina and 16-year-old Ali arrived at the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, California, for the first time since she was incarcerated on Tuesday.

Emotional: Lindsay Lohan in tears during one of her court hearings

A source said: "Tears were shed.

"The visit was very emotional, but Lindsay's spirits were lifted when she saw her mom and sister. Dina seemed relieved to see Lindsay and that she was staying strong."

The detention centre could face criticism for allowing the 24-year-old star to be visited so early into her stay, as she originally wasn't allowed visitors until Saturday.

Visitors are usually only accepted on Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am to 3.30pm and 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

However, it is believed the decision for her to have the private meeting was for safety reasons.

Law enforcement officials said: "Lindsay might get visitors after the official visiting hours are over for the other inmates for security reasons. It's for the safety of everyone."

Lindsay's list of people allowed to visit her includes her ex-girlfriend Samantha Ronson but not her estranged father Michael Lohan.

Jailed: Lindsay Lohan has been sentenced to spend 90 days in prison, but is expected to be out in two weeks

Meanwhile, Michael has been accused of physically attacking his fiancee Kate Major during a row, and she claims to have photographs of her injuries.

She said: "The reason I am not speaking is because the truth will come out. Michael has always threatened to try to ruin me in the press. It's sad he can't keep his mouth shut and stop making up lies. Consider the source. I just need privacy at this time."

Kate is believed to have filed a domestic violence report with police earlier this week.

However, Michael has denied the claims and admits he expects their upcoming marriage to go ahead as normal, even though she has "drained" their joint bank accounts.

Michael told RadarOnline.com. "I just found out she drained one of our bank accounts without telling me."

And when asked if the wedding, scheduled for the end of this year in New York is still on, Michael responded: "I see no reason why the wedding wouldn't still be on."