Britney Spears' Legal Bills Over $700,000

LOS ANGELES — Britney Spears' recently resolved custody dispute with ex-husband Kevin Federline wasn't just messy, it was expensive. Court documents show legal bills submitted on behalf of two law firms who represented Spears total more than $466,000. That's on top of the $250,000 the 26-year-old pop singer has agreed to pay Federline'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 Federline and Spears' camp that allows the singer more time with her young sons, is seeking $60,000. She worked on the case nearly two months.

Federline retains full custody of the children, but Spears has some overnight visits.

Spears and Federline were married in 2004 and completed their divorce last July. She pays him $20,000 a month under an agreement finalized in July.

Phillips claims in court documents the case was made more complicated because Spears 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 behavior and two hospitalizations.

Any payments will have to be approved by a Los Angeles court commissioner, and attorneys representing Spears' and her father's interests indicated last week in court they intend to contest Phillips' bill.

Comments

[trebledamages]

While I have not pity for Britney, her attorneys seem like greedy d'bags. Remember Anna Nicole Smith's attorney? What a low life. They have no problem billing her as much as they can because they know she can afford to pay their fees. Nevertheless, $400k for four months of work is BS. Let's assume Ms. Phillips charges the exhorbitant rate of $600/hour (i.e., $60/.10 hr. billed = a rip-off on its face), that means that she billed nearly 680 hrs. of her time, which equals nearly 5.70 hrs. a day for 120 days (no time off on weekends). That's utter BS in my opinion regardless of how uncooperative or how much of a pain in the arse Britney may have been.

Britney, if you're reading this, I'm licensed to practice law in California, and I'd be glad to represent you in disputing these charges, which I'm rather good at doing. I think these d'bag attorneys should be banned from practicing. It will be worth the investment.

[supergranny]

being trash doesn't come cheap.

[stagebandman]

PLEASE, enough is enough. Can we move on from this untalented poptart? Her 15 minutes ended the day she turned legal. What's with this fascination? Can't sing, can't act, no brains, no morals, and doesn't look at all attractive without LOTS of help. The dumbing down of America has got to reach an apex at some point, doesn't it?

And while we're at it, no more stories about Madonna, Angelina, Tom or Katie Cruise , or anyone else that doesn't have at least a relevant reason to be written. Let's leave the tabloid stories to the tabloids.

But don't stop the pics of Jessica Alba....woo-hoo!!!

[macintoshsauce]

All she has to do is show off her panties again and she will make more money. :-/

[Rooster54]

Or, better yet, not wear any.

[marymansour]

Britney seems to be getting on with her life despite debts.

[PancakeMountain]

should we feel bad? should we take up a collection to help her out?
actually knowing lawyers i'm surprised it's not higher then 700k.

[Budokan]

700K? Well, she ought to be able to afford that, right? That's chicken feed to her.

[genseric13]

Hopefully, she can write it off her taxes.

[SlippingInTheDip]

Brit seems to be doing well lately...GL Brit

I know this is off subject, But...No Angie Jolie or Brad Pitt on the entertain page...thank you HUFFPO.

[marymansour]

No Pittangela today means none of those crazy cat fights. LOL!

[Triangle1]

Prestige and free advertising that goes with representing a major high-profile client? Priceless. They should be paying HER for billable time. http://mespace.wordpress.com/

[andvoodoo2]

Why? What makes you think Spears is so special? She went through 4 different law firms because she kept FIRING them. I wouldn't have taken her case. She's more trouble than she's worth.

[martinchill]

"Britney Spears' Income Over $700,000 A Month"