On last Tuesday, a ruling by a Los Angeles judge granted permanent conservatorship of the psychiatrically troubled singer’s personal and business affairs to her father – Jamie Spears including attorney – Andrew Wallet.

Sources close to Spears say, her lawyers felt that in the future, her father’s permanent conservatorship could increase her chances of regaining custody of her sons Sean Preston, 3, and Jayden James, 2.

According to several media reports, the judge – Reva Goetz feels that the conservatorship was necessary at this stage, not only because of the complexity of Britney’s financial and business entities, but also due to the fact that she is extremely susceptible to undue influence.  However, experts say this is does not mean that Britney will never regain control of her life.  At her request, the conservatorship can always be lifted when she so desires.

One of 1990s best-selling artists, Britney made headlines throughout 2006 and 2007, first for shaving her head, wearing a pink wig, entering a rehabilitation center and often seen partying minus underwear.

Since, Britney, 26 has worked hard to turn her life around, having reached a custody settlement with ex-husband Kevin Federline, releasing ‘Womaniser’ her first hit single since being hospitalized for psychiatric evaluation, winning three MTV Video Music Awards and is also preparing for her first world tour since 2004.

Last week, Spears also escaped being sentenced for driving without a California license, which would have given her a criminal record, after a Los Angeles jury deadlocked 10-2 in favour of acquittal.