Britney Spears' father 'no longer has control' over troubled star

The legal conservatorship granted to Britney's father Jamie Spears - and more recently her brother Bryan who attempted to get control over her day-to-day finances - has been deemed invalid.

New York attorney Jon Eardley is now acting on behalf of the 26-year-old, who was desperate to regain control over her life - and estimated $100-million fortune.

Eardley's new spokesperson Michael Sands says a legal loophole means yesterday's order by commissioner Reva Goetz to extended the conservatorship order until at least March 10 is "void and invalid".

Sands tells Mail Online: "Because the latest court order appointing Britney's father conservator wasn't signed until after the notice of removal was filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court, the order extending the conservatorship is void."

He continued: "It not necessary to have a federal judge or magistrate sign a notice of removal."

It means Mr Spears is now unable to restrict Britney's visitors or approve contracts.

Sands also represents Britney's former manager Sam Lutfi, but sources say Britney's new lawyer came to him independently.

The respected Hollywood publicist, who also acts as a media image consultant, previously worked for Kevin Federline's lawyer, Mark Kaplan, before quitting to work for Lutfi last week.

It is the lastest twist in Spears' complex legal case, following her release from a psychiatric hospital earlier this month.

Mr Eardley, who believes the conservatorship was a violation of civil rights, is now planning to meet with Britney tomorrow.

Britney has kept a low profile in recent days - she was spotted spending time with boyfriend Adnan Ghalib, along with regular stops at the Millennium Dance Complex.

She also stepped out for a shopping spree with mother Lynne, who has since returned to her home in Kentwood, Louisiana, to be reunited with Britney's 16-year-old pregnant sister Jamie-Lynn.

Earlier this week, the star, who's custody battle over Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden, 1, rumbles on, even taught a dance lesson to a group of six children.

She choreographed routines to Madonna songs True Blue, Material Girl and Holiday, and played games with her charges, aged between 4 and 7, during the hour long class.

Robert Baker, director of the Millennium Dance Complex, observed at the time: "She seems very focused about getting back into her old life."

"She's focusing her energy on creating and dancing."