#FreeBritney: Inside Britney Spears’ conservatorship, the 12-year legal arrangement controlling the Toxic pop star’s life – and US$59 million fortune

Britney Spears has not legally controlled her life and fortune in 12 years.

The conservatorship – a legal guardianship typically enacted for those incapable of making their own decisions – was approved by the court in 2008 after Spears had several public mental breakdowns. The arrangement put her estate, financial assets, and some personal assets under the control of her father and a lawyer. Earlier this year, it was extended until at least August 22.

Since its implementation, the conservatorship has generated a lot of controversy among Spears' fans. Some think she's being controlled and manipulated, which has fuelled the #FreeBritney movement. But those close to Spears have told several media outlets over the years that the conservatorship is meant to help the pop icon and that she is very involved in business decisions.

A representative for Spears didn't immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment on this story.

Here's a look inside the complex arrangement that is Spears' conservatorship.

In the late 2000s, Britney Spears had several highly publicised mental breakdowns

During this time, Spears was spotted driving her SUV with her son Sean on her lap and not strapped into a car seat. She also famously shaved her head and was seen hitting a photographer's car with an umbrella.

In 2008, Spears made several trips to rehab and was committed twice to a psychiatric hospital – also known as a 5150 hold – in California, where Spears lives, Laura Newberry reported for the Los Angeles Times. Newberry spent three months examining Spears' conservatorship.

This tumultuous period led to Spears' court-approved conservatorship, which was implemented at the end of 2008

Her father, Jamie Spears, petitioned for an emergency “temporary conservatorship” after Britney's second psychiatric hold, Newberry reported.