Spears’ dad has indefinite control

A judge granted Britney Spears’ father indefinite control of her business and personal affairs Tuesday, making permanent a temporary arrangement put in place shortly after the pop star’s hospitalization for psychological problems last winter.

Superior Court Commissioner Reva Goetz said the move was “necessary and appropriate” based on a number of factors, including evidence that Spears is “susceptible to undue influence.” Spears’ father, Jamie, and several attorneys oversee a conservatorship that makes business, personal and medical decisions on the performer’s behalf.

A court-appointed attorney said Spears did not oppose making the conservatorship permanent. She can petition to regain control over her affairs at a later date, according to a court spokesman.

Spears has mounted a professional comeback this fall, completing work on a new album set for December release and taping an interview with MTV about the erratic behavior that led to the court intervention.

-- Harriet Ryan