As Britney Spears' supporters gather at Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Los Angeles, California on September 29, 2021, they hold signs.
Britney Spears' conservatorship ended Friday, according to a judge.
After publicly battling mental health issues in 2008, the pop star at 39 has been under legal guardianship since 2008. Spears has been trying for over a year to end her conservatorship in order to regain independence and have control over her medical care.
"The court finds that Britney Jean Spears' conservatorship is not necessary," Judge Brenda Penny stated during Friday's court hearing.
According to NBC, the hearing lasted 31 minutes. Spears didn't appear via phone or video.
Spears posted on Instagram, "Good God I Love My Fans So Much It's Crazy," after the hearing. "I think that I'm going to cry the rest of my day."
Spears was allowed to hire her own lawyer -- Mathew Rosengart, a Hollywood lawyer -- in recent months. She also petitioned for a certified public accountant to take control of her conservatorship following the filing of abuse claims against James Spears.
These accusations have been denied publicly by James Spears. Late September saw Penny suspend James Spears from his role as guardian for her daughter and name John Zabel, a California accountant, as temporary conservator of Spears’ finances. Zabel will be there temporarily to assist Spears with any financial problems.
Before suspending James Spears, Penny described the situation as "toxic" or "not tenable".
Rosengart stated that Britney's next steps, which is the first time it has been said in over a decade, are up to Britney during a press conference following the hearing.
Although it was not clear if Spears would be released from her conservatorship earlier this summer, a torrent of emotional testimony from Spears and several damning documentaries helped propel the #FreeBritney movement into the public eye. During each hearing, fans gathered outside the Los Angeles courthouse waving banners in support of the pop star.
Jodi Montgomery was appointed temporarily to the conservatorship when James Spears faced health problems in 2019. Montgomery reportedly has developed a care plan that includes therapists, doctors, and other professionals to help Spears through her conservatorship and beyond.
Spears could face more court battles in the future. Rosengart has pledged to investigate James Spears' role as conservator, including his handling of Spears' finances. He also faces allegations that he placed an audio device in Spears' bedroom.
Rosengart stated that many people have asked Rosengart if they will continue to investigate Mr. Spears. Britney is ultimately the one who will decide.
Alex Weingarten is a Willkie Farr & Gallagher partner in the litigation department. James Spears hired him recently to represent him. He was previously represented by Vivian Thoreen (executive partner at Holland & Knight's Los Angeles branch).
This case has prompted more inquiries about the current conservatorship system as well as how it is applied and maintained, especially when it comes entertainment icons who continue performing and generating millions of income for their estates even though they are under court supervision.
At the end of her conservatorship, Spears' estate was valued at between $50 million to $60 million.
"I am so proud of her. Rosengart expressed gratitude for Rosengart's courage, poise, and power. She helped to shine a spotlight on conservatorships, guardianships across the country.
