A court has ruled that Britney Spears must hand over $10,000 to father Jamie - as compensation for lost earnings after he quit his job to look after her.

This week an L.A. court approved his application for $2,600 a week for loss of earnings in February.

The court papers stated: "As a result of the responsibilities Mr Spears has assumed as Temporary Conservator of the Person and Temporary Co-Conservator of the Estate, he has been unable to continue his prior employment."

Since Jamie was made a conservator of Britney's estate, his troubled daughter has made tentative steps towards getting her personal and professional life back on track.

Another person who seems to be playing a role in the former pop wreck's recovery is actor Mel Gibson, who recently invited the singer to stay at his Costa Rica home.

Click here to check out the toxic tan (and new man?) that she picked up while she was there.