Britney Spears’ father granted control of her welfare

One day after she was brought to the UCLA Medical Center’s psychiatric hospital, Britney Spears’ father, James “Jamie” Spears, was granted a conservatorship by the courts. A conservator has the right to restrict visitors, secure liquid assets and access to medical records.

Further, the court granted a restraining order against Britney’s manager Sam Lufti and gave Jamie permission to change the locks on her estate and remove anyone who is there. According to the Associated Press:

It was unclear whether the court gave her father the power to make medical decisions on Spears’ behalf; even if that was granted, the role can be limited.

Conservators can consult with doctors on medication options, but the patient can refuse. Only in emergencies can someone be forcefully treated. Otherwise, a court hearing must be scheduled to hammer out the issue.

“Being a conservator does not give them the power to force medication,” said Nancy Kincaid, a spokeswoman with the California Department of Mental Health.

The court also issued a restraining order against Lutfi, Spears’ sometime manager and friend, and gave her father permission to change the locks on her estate and remove anyone who is there.