Britney's rehab 'could help her retain custody of children'

Britney Spears’ decision to check into rehab could help her in the US custody dispute over her two young children, according to lawyers.

When Spears checked into Promises Malibu drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre yesterday, it was said to be the third time in a week she has checked into a rehab centre.

Ms Spears and her estranged husband Kevin Federline are fighting for custody of the children.

“It actually may reflect well on her that she’s now gone back, if she stays and sees herself through the programme,” said Jason Adess, a family law attorney in Chicago.

“That way she can present to the court that she has an issue, she has acknowledged the issue, she has gotten help and now she is able to resume primary custody of the children.”

Ms Spears’ manager, Larry Rudolph, confirmed in an email to The Associated Press yesterday that Ms Spears was in the Malibu centre.

The 25-year-old pop star reportedly first checked into Promises on Tuesday, then left on Wednesday morning.

Late last week she reportedly checked into a rehab centre in the Caribbean, only to leave the next day.