Britney Spears loses custody of two sons

By Stone Martindale Oct 1, 2007, 20:42 GMT

Spears EPA/JASON SZENES

Britney Spears has lost custody of her children.

A court has ordered pop singer Britney Spears to give up custody of her children effective Wednesday at noon, reports CNN.

Spears' former husband, Kevin Federline, is to retain custody of their two sons "until further order of the court," papers from Los Angeles Superior Court show.

What led to Monday's decision awarding Federline full custody was not disclosed. A transcript of the court proceedings was ordered sealed.

Last month, a judge ordered Spears, 25, to submit to random drug tests after finding she engaged in "habitual, frequent, and continuous use of controlled substances and alcohol."

That order, by Superior Court Commissioner Scott Gordon, provided no details and did not name any drugs.

The parents had split custody 50-50, but Federline then asked for the arrangements to be shifted to 70-30 in his favor.

In addition to ordering the twice-weekly drug tests, Gordon ordered Spears to spend eight hours per week working with a "parenting coach," who was to observe her interactions with her children.

Gordon also told both parents to avoid alcohol or "other non-prescription controlled substances" 12 hours before taking custody of the children.

He also barred the two parents from making "derogatory remarks about the other party and the other party's family or significant other" during the case.

Monday's order comes amid a career downward spiral for Spears, whose new album is due to be released November 13.

Spears' MTV Video Music Awards was lackluster and said she appeared out of shape in her two-piece bikini styled outfit.

Spears' attorney and management company, the Firm, both recently quit after representing the singer for a short time period.