Britney Spears' Father Confident In Custody Battle 8/13/08

Britney Spears' father Jamie is convinced his daughter will regain joint custody of her two sons in as little as a few months - because she's so determined to get what she wants.

The troubled singer lost custody of Sean Preston, two, and Jayden James, one, to ex-husband Kevin Federline in 2007 after a string of meltdowns, leading to her hospitalization in January (08) for an alleged bipolar disorder.

In an interview with U.S. magazine OK!, Jamie Spears - who was placed as conservator over the star's finances and estate in February (08) - is reportedly convinced his daughter is ready to take back control of her personal life since winning extended visitation with the boys last month (Jul08).

He says of his relationship with his infamous daughter: "It's wonderful. But, like all daughters, she is very manipulative and cunning. So she gets what she wants a lot."

But according to the New York Post, Spears' finances - which will remain under Jamie's control until 31 December (08) - have become a major concern since she's failed to make a successful career comeback.

A source tells the newspaper of the alleged $1 million (£500,000) deal brokered for the interview: "Britney has huge legal bills to pay. The money has been going one way - out of her bank account - for a long time, and this is a way to bring something in." A spokesperson for Britney Spears has declined to comment.