Judge puzzled over lawyer's Spears request

A federal judge has given an attorney claiming to be Britney Spears' new lawyer until February 29 to explain why the singer's ongoing conservatorship case should be moved to a federal court.

Judge Philip Gutierrez ruled Jon Eardley, who has practices in New York and Washington, DC, has to prove why the conservatorship of Spears' estate violates her civil rights.

Last week, Eardley filed a legal complaint in US District Court, arguing the case should be moved from Los Angeles Superior Court to a federal court.

But on Wednesday, puzzled Judge Gutierrez failed to follow Eardley's logic and set a deadline of February 29 for the attorney to explain his reasoning.

The ruling followed arguments from lawyers, acting on behalf of Spears' estate, who claim the pop superstar couldn't have hired Eardley to represent her because she's unable to do so under the terms of the conservatorship.

Spears' father Jamie was recently appointed conservator of his daughter's estate - he has temporary control over the singer's legal and financial affairs until March 10.