Wednesday, 5 September 2007

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Lawyer: Britney Spears cleared of child-welfare complaints

County will not pursue child abuse claims

Britney Spears's lawyer said Tuesday the singer has been cleared of recent complaints to child welfare workers.

"It does not appear the county will pursue any action at this time," attorney Laura Wasser said at a hearing in Spears's custody battle with ex-husband Kevin Federline. The hearing then went into private session.

After the hearing, Wasser told PEOPLE she doesn't know who complained. "But I am trying to find out," she said.

Officials at the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services refused to comment. Wasser declined to describe the nature of the complaints.

Court officials say there will be at least three more court hearings this year in the custody dispute between Spears and Federline, including appearances Nov. 26 and Dec. 18 to review independent evaluations by the court and to consider Federline's request for primary custody of sons Sean Preston, 2, and 1-year-old Jayden James.

In the meantime, Federline attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan is seeking the depositions of people close to Spears, including her assistant, former bodyguard, former manager and former nanny.

Meanwhile, Spears's bodyguard was charged with misdemeanor battery in the scuffle with photographers in Las Vegas, according to a court spokesman.

Julio Camera allegedly punched a photographer on July 26 at the Wynn Las Vegas in an altercation that broke out after one of two photographers attempting to get a picture of the singer bumped into the bodyguard, who was holding Spears's son, Sean Preston, police say.

The pop singer's next album is scheduled for release Nov. 13.

By Howard Breuer