BRITNEY SPEARS - BRITNEY FACES HUGE LEGAL BILL AFTER LENGTHY COURT BATTLES

Britney Spears has been ordered to pay a sizeable sum in legal fees after her lengthy court disputes in recent months.

The 26-year-old was told by Los Angeles County superior court commissioner Reva Goetz that she must pay more than $372,000 (£186,240) to attorneys who have been involved in her legal affairs in the past three months.

The funds will be taken from the Toxic star's estate, which has been under the control of her father James and attorney Andrew Wallet after a temporary conservatorship order was issued when the singer was hospitalised in January.

According to People.com, Wallet has not been paid since he took over control of the singer's affairs in February and will receive an advance of $100,000 (£50,000).

Samuel Ingham, Britney's court-appointed attorney, will continue to receive a $10,000 (£5,000) weekly allowance while Luce Forward, the firm which secured James Spears' control of her daughter's estate will receive a $175,000 (£87,655) advance).

Family lawyer Stacey Philips, who recently rejoined Britney's custody battle with ex-husband Kevin Federline, will be awarded $75,000 (£37,560) and Clark Byam, representing Britney's brother Bryan Spears, is to receive $22,500 (£11,269).

A restraining order against Britney's former manager and confidante Sam Lufti was extended by a Los Angeles district court judge this week until July 31st.

Lufti is forbidden from contacting the singer as well as coming within 250 yards of her, after allegations from Britney's mother that Lufti had drugged her daughter.