Britney Spears’ father retains conservatorship

A state appeals court on Monday dismissed an attorney’s challenge to the conservatorship that gives Britney Spears’ father control over much of her life.

Attorney Jon Eardley, who claimed to represent the pop star, filed an appeal March 11 challenging a court order that made James Spears a co-conservator of his daughter’s estate.

Justice Roger W. Boren of the California Court of Appeal wrote in a ruling that the court had no jurisdiction to grant an appeal in the case and rejected Eardley’s claim.

An after-hours call seeking comments from the lawyer was not immediately returned.

Last month, Eardley tried unsuccessfully to move the probate case to federal court, alleging that the conservatorship was a violation of Spears’ civil rights. A federal judge ruled that Eardley was not Spears’ attorney and had no authority to act on her behalf.

James Spears was named co-conservator of his daughter’s estate on Feb. 1 after she was twice hospitalized in a psychiatric facility. Conservatorships are granted for people deemed unable to take care of themselves or their affairs.

Spears’ father may restrict and limit visitors, retain caretakers and security guards and access all her medical records.