Spears and Federline reach child custody agreement

By Alex Dobuzinskis

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Pop singer Britney Spears and ex-husband Kevin Federline have settled their long and bitter custody battle over their two sons, but terms of the deal remained confidential, lawyers for both said on Friday.

Federline's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan told several media organizations late on Thursday that Federline retained sole custody of Sean Preston, 2-1/2, and Jayden James, 22 months, but outside a Los Angeles courthouse following a closed hearing on Friday, he declined to discuss custodial issues.

"I'm not going to comment on the terms of an agreement that has not yet been made an order of the court," Kaplan said.

Spears already had overnight visitation rights, and the Grammy-winning singer could win more visits over time.

Spears' attorney Laura Wasser said the agreement does not give Federline permanent custody of the children.

She called the deal "a victory for the entire family" because it avoids a custody trial set for August.

"I think that they've finally figured out a way to co-parent to make sure that their kids benefit as a result of that," Wasser said.

Kaplan said Federline, a rapper and dancer, was "extremely happy" that the custody battle was over.