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Extra Security Expenses - Spears Conservatorship
Extra Security Expenses - Spears Conservatorship
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A Law Corporation
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21 Person of Britney Jean Spears (“Ms. Spears”), hereby brings this Ex Parte Petition for an Order
22 Authorizing the Conservator(s) of the Estate to Pay for Additional Security Expenses and states as
23 follows:
24 I. INTRODUCTION
25 1. Since the June 23, 2021 status hearing, which was illegally broadcasted, streamed,
26 and replayed to an incredibly wide audience, there has been a marked increase in the number and
27 severity of threatening posts about Petitioner on all social media platforms as well as text
28 messages, phone calls, and emails directed to the Petitioner personally. Many of the messages
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EX PARTE PETITION FOR ORDER AUTHORIZING & INSTRUCTING CONSERVATOR(S) OF THE
ESTATE TO PAY FOR ADDITIONAL SECURITY EXPENSES
1 threaten violence and even death against Petitioner. Petitioner has forwarded (and continues to
2 forward) these threatening communications to the security company retained by the Conservator
3 of the Estate, Black Box Security, Inc. Security has determined the security risk to be serious
4 enough to recommend that 24/7 physical security be provided to Petitioner on an interim basis in
5 order to protect her from harm and until such time as Petitioner can make certain security
7 2. Physical security has been at Petitioner’s residence since June 30, 2021, being
8 conditionally paid for by the Conservatorship Estate because it is cost-prohibitive for Petitioner to
9 bear the cost of it personally. Jamie Spears, as Conservator of the Estate, has conditioned the
10 providing of security to Petitioner on: (1) Petitioner obtaining court approval for the security, and
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11 (2) Petitioner agreeing that if, for some reason, court approval is not obtained, that Petitioner agree
13 3. The cost of physical security, although deemed urgent and necessary at this time
14 for Petitioner, is cost-prohibitive for Petitioner to personally bear. Unless and until this Court
15 approves the expense, Petitioner remains personally liable for it. Thus, we are asking this Court to
20 daughter, Britney Jean Spears, and Mr. Spears and Andrew M. Wallet (“Mr. Wallet”) as
22 issued that day and were extended several times. On October 28, 2008, the Court granted the
23 Petitions for Permanent Conservatorship as to Ms. Spears’ Person and Estate. Permanent Letters
25 5. Conservator of the Estate. On March 5, 2019, the Court accepted the resignation
26 of Mr. Wallet and confirmed Mr. Spears as the sole Conservator of the Estate of Ms. Spears.
27 Amended Letters of Conservatorship were issued on that date. On November 10, 2020, the Court
28 appointed Bessemer Trust as Co-Conservator of Ms. Spears’ Estate, but the Order thereon was not
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EX PARTE PETITION FOR ORDER AUTHORIZING CONSERVATOR OF THE ESTATE
TO PAY FOR PETITIONER’S NEEDED ADDITIONAL SECURITY EXPENSES
1 entered until June 30, 2021. On July 1, 2021, Bessemer Trust filed an ex parte application for the
2 Court to accept its Resignation; the Court has set that application to be heard at the next hearing
5 Montgomery (“Ms. Montgomery”) was appointed Temporary Conservator of Ms. Spears’s person.
6 Letters of Temporary Conservatorship of the Person were initially issued to Ms. Montgomery on
7 September 9, 2019 and have been extended to September 3, 2021. On that same day, Mr. Spears
9 7. CAC Attorney. On February 1, 2008, the Court appointed Samuel D. Ingham, III
10 (“Mr. Ingham”) as the Court Appointed Counsel (“CAC”) for Ms. Spears. As of the date of the
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11 filing of this Ex Parte Petition, Mr. Ingham has not been discharged as the CAC attorney, although
12 on July 6, 2021 he filed an Application for Appointment of Counsel in which he tendered his
13 resignation.
14 8. Recent Status Hearing. On June 23, 2021, at an unsealed, open status hearing,
15 Ms. Spears addressed the Court, raising numerous concerns about her conservatorship and making
16 “serious allegations regarding forced labor, forced medical treatment and therapy, improper
17 medical care, and limitations on personal rights, to name a few.” (Mr. Spears’ Petition for
19 9. While Ms. Spears expressed her displeasure with her conservatorship at the June
20 23, 2021 hearing, she has informed Petitioner that she would like to her to stay on as her
21 conservator. Attached as Exhibit A is a true and correct copy of a text message between
22 Petitioner and Ms. Spears wherein Ms. Spears expressed her wish for Petitioner to continue
26 the security company that has provided security to the conservatorship estate for many years. All
27 threats are being forwarded to them for ongoing assessment. In their current assessment,
28 Petitioner needs 24/7 live security at her residence / home office for a couple of months. They
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EX PARTE PETITION FOR ORDER AUTHORIZING CONSERVATOR OF THE ESTATE
TO PAY FOR PETITIONER’S NEEDED ADDITIONAL SECURITY EXPENSES
1 provided a quote on June 30, 2021 which is attached as Exhibit B. The initial quote is for 14 days
2 and Petitioner requests that this expense, payable by the Conservator(s) of the Estate, be approved
3 by the Court.
5 Estate: Also on June 30, 2021, Petitioner contacted Mr. Spears to request the live 24/7 security
6 recommended by Black Box Security. Mr. Spears, through the Estate’s business manager Michael
7 Kane of Miller Kaplan, approved hiring of security guards for Petitioner. Mr. Kane also stated
8 that Mr. Spears requested a risk assessment analysis, inclusive of implementation of recommend
9 protocols. Attached as Exhibit C is a true and correct copy of the email from Michael Kane
11 12. Current Payment of Physical Security Expenses Have Now Been Made
12 Conditional by Conservator of the Estate: After the email at Exhibit B was sent, during a
13 conference call between counsel on the issue on July 1, 2021, Ms. Wyle on behalf of Jamie Spears
14 conveyed that Mr. Spears would not continue to approve of the payment of the security for
15 Petitioner unless Petitioner agreed that, should the Court not approve of its payment, Petitioner
16 would pay the cost of it back to the conservatorship estate. Petitioner agreed. But because the
17 cost of security guards is cost-prohibitive for Petitioner to take on for herself personally and before
18 Petitioner’s potential personal liability gets too large, this Ex Parte Application is being brought to
19 seek approval of this expense by the Court. It is Petitioner’s understanding that Mr. Spears as
20 Conservator of the Estate has no objection to the expense in and of itself, but just does not want to
24 Security, Petitioner has contacted her local sheriff’s department and they have added her to their
25 patrol watch. Petitioner also immediately began undertaking her own security improvements to
26 her property, which comes at a significant extra personal expense and will take several weeks to
27 complete. Once those additional security improvements are made, the security threat can be
28 reassessed and perhaps less physical security or no physical security will be needed.
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EX PARTE PETITION FOR ORDER AUTHORIZING CONSERVATOR OF THE ESTATE
TO PAY FOR PETITIONER’S NEEDED ADDITIONAL SECURITY EXPENSES
1 III. PETITIONER REQUESTS THAT CONSERVATOR OF THE ESTATE BE
3 14. Since Ms. Spears has requested that Petitioner retain her position as conservator,
4 Petitioner has no intention of abandoning her by resigning because of these threats. However, in
5 order for Petitioner to effectively perform her duties as conservator, her security and safety must
6 be ensured.
7 15. As a case of public interest, Petitioner has always received some level of ongoing
8 threats throughout the pendency of the case. But since the June 23, 2021, the amount as well as
9 the severity of the threats has drastically increased, threatening the very safety of the Petitioner.
10 The Petitioner as the Temporary Conservator of the Person plays an important role ensuring the
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11 best interests of the conservatorship, making it essential to ensure her safety. Because threat levels
12 and the need for security evolve rapidly over time, Petitioner has phrased the requested order to
13 apply on an ongoing basis. Notably, the order sought is a 2-step process, where an assessment is
14 made first and, then and only then, are the additional security protocols implemented, as
15 recommended by security.
17 16. Exigent circumstances exist to grant this Ex Parte Petition as the Petitioner is still
18 receiving violence and death threats at an alarming rate. These threats should all be taken
19 seriously and carefully addressed. The safety of all parties involved is of the utmost importance.
20 It is also in Ms. Spears’ best interest that those around her are kept safe and not exposed to a
21 constant threat of harm. Although the conservatorship estate is temporarily bearing the cost of
22 these expenses, Mr. Spears has conditioned them payment of them upon: (1) Petitioner obtaining
23 court approval for the security, and (2) Petitioner agreeing that if, for some reason, court approval
24 is not obtained, that Petitioner agree to pay back the cost to the Conservatorship Estate. The cost
25 of security guards is cost-prohibitive for Petitioner to bear herself and she seeks a Court order to
27 VI. PRAYER
28 17. Wherefore, Jodi Montgomery, as Temporary Conservator of the Person of Britney
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EX PARTE PETITION FOR ORDER AUTHORIZING CONSERVATOR OF THE ESTATE
TO PAY FOR PETITIONER’S NEEDED ADDITIONAL SECURITY EXPENSES
1 Jean Spears, respectfully requests that the Court make the following orders:
10 recommends it.
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11 b. Any such other orders as the Court deems necessary and appropriate.
12 Respectfully Submitted:
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By: _____________________________
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Lauriann Wright
16 Marie Mondia
Attorneys for Jodi Montgomery,
17 Temporary Conservator of the Person
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EX PARTE PETITION FOR ORDER AUTHORIZING CONSERVATOR OF THE ESTATE
TO PAY FOR PETITIONER’S NEEDED ADDITIONAL SECURITY EXPENSES
1 DECLARATION OF LAURIANN WRIGHT
4 at the law firm Wright Kim Douglas, ALC, counsel for Temporary Conservator Jodi Montgomery,
5 in her capacity as temporary conservator of the person of Britney Jean Spears. Except as otherwise
6 stated, the statements contained in this Declaration are based on my personal knowledge and
7 experience. If called as a witness, I could and would testify competently to those facts.
9 Petition as it is in Ms. Spears’ best interest if those around her are not placed in any danger. There
10 are grave concerns regarding the safety of the Conservator of the Person and counsel involved in
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11 this highly-publicized matter arising from a drastic increase in threats of violence and death since
12 the June 23, 2021 unsealed status hearing. If the Court would like additional detail on the threats
13 that are being made, we can provide them for in camera review or discuss them at a sealed hearing
14 on this matter.
16 Ingham, Court-Appointed Counsel for Conservatee, Britney Jean Spears, David C. Nelson and
17 Ronald Pearson, associated counsel for Ms. Spears, Vivian L. Thoreen, Jonathan H. Park, Roger
18 B. Coven, Geraldine A. Wyle, Jeryll Cohen, and Rebekah Swan, counsel for James P. Spears,
19 Yasha Bronshteyn, Gladstone N. Jones, III, and Lynn E. Swanson, counsel for Lynne Spears and
20 Bruce S. Ross, and Alan T. Yoshitake, counsel for Bessemer Trust Company, and informed them
21 that the Temporary Conservator would be applying ex parte for an Order Authorizing Conservator
22 of the Estate to pay for additional security. They were advised of the time, place, subject matter,
24 4. Copies of this Ex Parte Petition and the Proposed Order are being sent to all parties
26 //
27 //
28 //
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EX PARTE PETITION FOR ORDER AUTHORIZING CONSERVATOR OF THE ESTATE
TO PAY FOR PETITIONER’S NEEDED ADDITIONAL SECURITY EXPENSES
1 5. At the time of this filing, I have no information as to whether the Ex Parte Petition
2 will be opposed.
3 I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the
4 foregoing is true and correct. Executed this 6th day of July 2021, at Los Angeles, California.
6 _____________________________
LAURIANN WRIGHT
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A Law Corporation
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EX PARTE PETITION FOR ORDER AUTHORIZING CONSERVATOR OF THE ESTATE
TO PAY FOR PETITIONER’S NEEDED ADDITIONAL SECURITY EXPENSES
VERIFICATION
I am the Petitioner in this action. I have read the foregoing document which bears the title:
and know the contents thereof and that the same is true of my own knowledge.
JODI MONTGOMERY
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EX PARTE PETITION FOR ORDER AUTHORIZING CONSERVATOR OF THE ESTATE
TO PAY FOR PETITIONER'S NEEDED ADDITIONAL SECURITY EXPENSES
Exhibit A
4:28©IIIII ° 3““.122‘56!
lneed u to stay as my co
conservator of person
1 ©Qo
Exhibit B
Marie Mondia
From: Stas
Date: June 30, 2021 at 7:31:09 PM CDT
To: jodi
Cc: , Edan >, Katya
Per your conversation with Edan, below please find our quote for residential security services in
the Los Angeles, CA area.
Estimated cost for 24/7 security: $1,820 (day & night shift) x 14 days = $25,480
Service Terms:
- California Overtime Rules: Overtime will be billed at one and one-half times the regular rate for
agents who will be requested to work over 8 hours per day, and two times the regular rate for agents
working longer than 12 hours per day.
- Holiday Rates: BBX charges one and one-half times the regular rate for holiday hours. Double rates
apply to any additional time worked in excess of 12 hours per day.
- Minimum Service: eight (8) hours per day per agent.
- Job-related expenses (e.g. parking, tips, expenses paid on behalf of the client, miles driven on client’s
business outside of the residential post at $0.75/mi, security post maintenance, etc.) are reimbursable and
will be invoiced as incurred.
- Cancellation Policy: should the services be canceled within 24 hours prior to the scheduled time of
assignment, the minimum service charge will apply.
Please let us know if you would like to move forward with this assignment or if you have any
questions.
Thank you,
Stas
Staff Accountant
Please note our new address for payments by check
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BLACK BOX SECURITY INC.
27001 Agoura Road, Ste #170, Calabasas, CA 91301
T: (818) 888-8985 x 108 | F: (818) 975-9595
www.bbxsecurity.com | finance@bbxsecurity.com
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Exhibit C
Marie Mondia
From: Michael Kane
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2021 6:50 PM
To: jodi paismontgomery.
Subject: Re: Request for Security
Jodi,
Just to give you a quick update since my prior e‐mail. Your safety is of paramount importance and in
reviewing your request it wasn't clear to me if you have notified law enforcement. If not, please report any
such threats to law enforcement ASAP. Second, Jamie has approved hiring an additional security guard
effective immediately. Let me know once they arrive or if you have any concerns in this regard. Third, Jamie
has requested a meeting with Sam & Bessemer to alert them of your concerns. Fourth, Jamie has requested
that we put together a risk assessment analysis promptly, inclusive of implementation of recommended
protocols. Lastly, Jamie has requested that appropriate court approvals for the above be obtained as
expeditiously as possible..
Please let me know if you need any additional assistance,
Regards
Michael Kane
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PROOF OF SERVICE
RE: The Conservatorship of the Person and Estate of Britney Jean Spears
LASC Case No. BP108870
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed
on July 7, 2021, at Glendale, California.
Vanessa Gonzalez X
Type or Print Name Signature
SERVICE LIST