Britney Spears' conservatorship, explained

The legal controversy surrounding Britney Spears is no secret. The pop star has recently fought for changes to her court-appointed conservatorship, which has controlled her career and finances since 2008. Most notably, she sought the removal of her father, Jamie Spears, from a leading role in the conservatorship. 

Her father currently serves as a co-conservator of the singer's estate, alongside an outside financial group, Bessemer Trust. Britney's lawyers have said she would no longer perform as long as her father was in charge. The 38-year-old singer is expected to address the court about the conservatorship at a Wednesday status hearing. In April, her lawyer requested that she be able to speak with the court but did not disclose what she plans to say.