Fresh off quiet spell, Spears expected in court

“We're thrilled to have Britney joining us once again”

LOS ANGELES _ Exactly three months have passed since Britney Spears slipped away from a psychiatric ward and promptly stirred up a paparazzi car chase, a scene that looked like the beginning of even more erratic behavior for the troubled pop star.

In the weeks that followed, Spears started acting out of character, all right: She laid low and avoided the cameras. She spent time with family members. She found work, and succeeded at it.

With that stability and momentum to build on, it would appear Spears' child-custody hearing Tuesday has the potential for a positive outcome _ as long as she gets it together to show up this time. All indications are that she will. Read more