Britney Spears' 1.85m bill

POP star BRITNEY SPEARS paid at least 1.85 million in lawyers' fees and costs during the first 11 months of her conservatorship.

Papers filed in Los Angeles Superior Court show that at least 17 attorneys and companies have been involved in running her personal and private affairs since a judge ruled in February last year she was not legally competent and gave her father, JAMIE SPEARS, control of her life.

Spears, 27, is currently touring with her comeback show, Circus.

Lawyers are still working on her affairs, and the court will be asked to approve more fees in the future.

In papers obtained by the Los Angeles Times lawyers representing Jamie Spears presented bills for more than a million dollars, saying the Womanizer singer has made enormous personal and professional progress in the past year.

"Since the initiation of the conservatorship, as a result of the concerted efforts of Mr Spears as well as all the professionals involved, all aspects of Ms Spears' life have been stabilised and continue to improve," wrote lawyer Geraldine Wyle.

She said Spears, who was twice involuntarily held in a psychiatric ward before her father was put in control, faces "complex and challenging issues" which have run up massive costs.

They include her divorce and custody battle with KEVIN FEDERLINE, father of her sons Sean Preston, three, and two-year-old Jayden James, which have cost 315,000.

On top of that Spears paid 257,000 to cover Federline's legal bills, which was not included in the accounts.

She also paid 77,500 settling a civil suit brought by a former manager, 17,830 on a trial for driving with a licence and 4,800 over a dispute about mould in a house she rented in Malibu.

Wyle said that during the last year Spears' mental health has improved, she has won "substantial visitation" with her sons and her career "has been revitalised."