JESSICA SIMPSON - SIMPSON RETHINKING DIVORCE PLANS

JESSICA SIMPSON is having second thoughts about her divorce from NICK LACHEY - she wants the judge assigned to the case removed.

In legal papers filed in Los Angeles on Wednesday (05), the pop star requested judge MICHAEL LINDFIELD be replaced because she believes he's biased.

In the documents, obtained by US news show Extra, the pop star's attorney states, "The Judge is prejudiced against Petitioner (Jessica Simpson) and/or Petitioner's attorney. He and/or Petitioner cannot have a fair and impartial trial."

A source close to the case insists the papers filed were a formality, and that Simpson and Lachey are in negotiations to have a private judge hear the case.

Simpson filed for divorce last week (16DEC05) after splitting from Lachey a month ago (23NOV05). The couple were married for five years.