Spears given more access to sons

Spears has been trying to rebuild her life

Pop star Britney Spears and her former husband Kevin Federline have reached an agreement that allows the singer more overnight visits with her children.

The settlement was agreed with lawyers and a Los Angeles Superior Court commissioner in a closed-door session.

Ms Spears' attorney, Laura Wasser, said the 26-year-old will be able to spend more time with her young sons.

She said Mr Federline, 30, would retain full custody, but Ms Spears may get expanded rights by the end of the year.

'Extremely happy'

Neither Ms Spears nor Mr Federline attended the hearing.

The agreement also means a custody trial that had been scheduled for next month will not take place now.

Ms Wasser told The Associated Press the singer will now have three visits a week from Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1, with at least two overnight visits.

"The fact is, it's a win for the family," she said.

Lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan, who represents Mr Federline, said his client was also pleased that an agreement had been reached.

Neither Spears nor Federline attended the hearing

Mr Kaplan said: "This has been a long ordeal and to have that over is something that makes him extremely happy."

Ms Spears lost custody last year in October, and lost visiting rights in January when Mr Federline was given full custody.

The couple were married in 2004 and finalised their divorce last July.

Their attorneys still have to file a formal settlement agreement with the court.

Her father, Jamie Spears, was granted control of his daughter's assets in February after she was admitted to a psychiatric ward.

A hearing on Mr Spears' conservatorship is scheduled for 31 July.

Ms Wasser said the agreement is another sign of the singer's continued recovery.

"The difference from the beginning of this year to now is astonishing," she said.

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