Britney Spears will be examined by a court-appointed psychiatrist to determine if she understands the legal proceedings surrounding her, a judge ruled yesterday.
Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Scott Gordon ordered that the psychiatrist file a report on the 26-year-old singer's mental condition by February 13th, the eve of a hearing to decide how much longer her assets should remain under the temporary control of her father and his attorney.
Spears has been hospitalised for mental evaluation.
Britney Spears
Judge Gordon also said a restraining order against Spears's self-styled manager and confidant, Sam Lutfi, forbids him from any contact with her amid reports the two were still in contact.
The child custody battle between the Grammy-winning pop star and ex-husband Kevin Federline has been put on hold until her mental issues can be resolved.
Spears was taken to UCLA Medical Center in an ambulance for a 72-hour mental evaluation last week as her behaviour grew increasingly erratic. That stay has since been extended to two weeks.
Her father, Jamie Spears, and attorney Andrew Wallete were granted control of her assets, including her house. Judge Gordon said that ruling would remain in place until further proceedings.