Judge: Britney a 'Habitual' User of Alcohol, Drugs

Britney Spears is a "habitual, frequent and continuous" user of alcohol and controlled substances and now must undergo twice-weekly random testing, a judge in the singer's custody case ruled.

Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Scott Gordon also ruled that both Spears and ex-husband Kevin Federline may not consume alcohol or non-prescription controlled substances at least 12 hours prior to being with their children.

Spears, alone, was ordered to meet with a "parenting coach" at least twice a week for a total of eight hours, according to court documents released Tuesday.

"The parenting coach is to observe (Spears's) interaction with the minor children and her parenting skills," the Commissioner wrote. The coach will provide lawyers on both sides with written reports, and will appear in court at the ex-couple's next hearing on Nov. 26.

Both Spears, 25, and Federline, 29, have also been ordered to complete a program called "Parenting Without Conflict," and must enroll by the end of the week. They must attend joint co-parenting counseling, and both sides must decide on selection of a therapist by week's end.

The commissioner also ruled that both sides are not allowed to use corporal punishment on the kids, and must refrain from making "derogatory remarks" about each other and their families.

The ruling was handed down in Spears's increasingly bitter custody dispute with Federline over their sons Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1. On Monday, a former bodyguard of the singer showed in court to testify about Spears's drug use, but the court chose to not to hear his testimony.

Still, the judge said, that "based on the evidence presented, the court finds that there is a habitual, frequent and continuous use of controlled substances and alcohol by (Spears)." He didn't say what that evidence was.

Despite the extensive orders, Spears and Federline's current custody arrangement of 50-50 has not changed, the documents and attorneys for both sides confirm.

Federline, however, is seeking primary physical custody of the two children.

The ruling was the latest blow to Spears, whose career comeback was stalled by a disappointing performance at the Video Music Awards. On Monday, her manager and her lawyer both quit.

Re: Judge: Britney a 'Habitual' User of Alcohol, Drugs

Sean & Jayden: Effects of Divorce and Addiction "Stressful"

After imploding on the MTV Video Music Awards, being dumped by her manager and lawyer, and being forced into parent counseling in order to keep from losing custody of her sons, Britney Spears is facing her darkest hour yet.

Unfortunately, her problems aren’t just affecting the 25-year-old pop star, they’re having a negative impact on her children, Jayden, 1, and Sean Preston, 2, as well.

“Dealing with the kids after they come back from Britney’s is really hard on Kevin,” says a Federline pal. “It takes him three days to get them back on any type of schedule.”

And Spears’ friends and family aren’t the only ones who’ve expressed concern over the singer’s parenting skills. In a closed hearing on September 18, the L.A. Superior Court issued a list of rules Spears must follow to maintain shared custody of her children. These stipulations include meeting with a parenting coach for a minimum of 8 hours a week, and having supervised sessions with a counselor and her children.

At least one family source defends Spears, saying a lack of education is to blame: “She loves her children so much, but it’s like she’s never been taught how to properly take care of them.” Even when she holds her kids on her lap, says the friend, that maternal bond seems to be missing: “She looks lifeless. It’s like she doesn’t understand the impact of being a mother.”

Re: Judge: Britney a 'Habitual' User of Alcohol, Drugs

I am sorry but I know Britney has problems but I don't believe one word Kevin Federline or any of his friends say. He is a big loser in my opinion and I feel he only wants custody so his greedy arse can get more $$$$$$$$.

He needs to go get a job and make his own money.

Re: Judge: Britney a 'Habitual' User of Alcohol, Drugs

Re: Judge: Britney a 'Habitual' User of Alcohol, Drugs

I really hope she gets it together.....

Re: Judge: Britney a 'Habitual' User of Alcohol, Drugs

Re: Judge: Britney a 'Habitual' User of Alcohol, Drugs

Message edited 9/19/2007 10:18:31 AM.

Re: Judge: Britney a 'Habitual' User of Alcohol, Drugs

Re: Judge: Britney a 'Habitual' User of Alcohol, Drugs

I don't believe a word Kevin Federline has to say.

What upsets me the most is that this Judge granted custody to an individual he believes is a "habitual" user of alcohol and drugs. If this was anyone else, they would lose their kids. How can you give custody to someone like that? It just enrages me. Those poor kids. They should be sent to live with her mother (if she wants them) and let that be the end of it.