Lawyer: Kevin Federline isn't interested in punishing Britney Spears

But he says they have a lot to talk about

Monday, 31 December 2007

Kevin Federline's lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan says he's ready to hear Britney Spears' court testimony and move forward with his client's custody battle.

'We've got a lot to talk about,' he says.

Britney, 26, missed her initial court appearance on 12 December, blaming illness and anxiety for her absence.

'She was, in fact, out later that day and night,' Mr Kaplan tells People.com. 'It's not fourth grade where you get a doctor's note and it's all okay.'

He hopes that Britney will appear for the rescheduled deposition so that it won't be necessary to pursue her for contempt of court.

'Kevin isn't interested, nor am I, in punishing her,' he explains. 'We just want to get information necessary to proceed further.'

Regarding rumours that Preston, 2, and Jayden, 1, will be tested for drugs, he says, 'I haven't even heard about that, and I don't think that is true.'

Kevin, 29, plans to see in the New Year in Las Vegas but enjoyed being with his boys at Christmas.

'They were great,' says Mr Kaplan. 'Kevin had all of his kids and it was a big, wonderful family setting. He was really happy, and the kids were happy.'