The star managed to avoid photographers on her way into court

The pop star went to the courthouse but asked to leave after passing through security, according to an official.

Her lawyer left the courtroom for 20 minutes to find her, but returned and said she did not know if Ms Spears would make an appearance.

Ms Spears is locked in a custody battle with ex-husband Kevin Federline.

The singer, who wore a cocktail dress, gold platforms and sunglasses, arrived at the Los Angeles County Superior Court through an underground car park to avoid the press.

Reiterated

She was not obliged to attend the hearing, which was unscheduled and convened because both sides in the dispute had filed motions to be heard in court.

Ms Spears' lawyer Anne Kiley argued that she should be allowed visits to Sean Preston and Jayden James.

Mr Federline, who attended the hearing, was asked some questions at the closed session.

The 26-year-singer was denied access to her children after an incident at her home on 3 January in which she refused to hand one of them over to one of Mr Federline's security guards.

The order was reiterated at an emergency hearing last week. Ms Spears came to the courthouse but left before she had entered the building.