A federal judge on Tuesday ruled the case of pop singer Britney Spears' conservatorship should remain in a California court, effectively allowing the troubled performer's father to keep control of her affairs.

U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez said attorney Jon Eardley, who claimed Spears' civil rights were violated by California officials, could not be Spears' attorney and, as a result, was not entitled to move the case to federal court.

If the case had gone to federal court, Spears' father, Jamie Spears, might have seen the end of his control over her financial and personal affairs.

"Mr. Eardley had no authority to remove the case from state court. He is neither a party nor a defendant," Gutierrez wrote in his ruling.

In a written declaration, Eardley said he was hired by Britney Spears on February 12, and had spoken to her on several occasions. The last time they talked, Eardley said the phone was taken from her and the number was disconnected.

Gutierrez ruled Britney Spears had no authority to hire Eardley on February 12 because she was under the conservatorship, and the California court had already appointed another attorney to act on her behalf.

A spokesman for Eardley said he was attempting to reach the attorney for comment.

Spears, 26, has seen her life spin out of control following her breakup with ex-husband Kevin Federline in late 2006.

She has spent time in rehab, exhibited bizarre behavior in public like wearing pink wigs and talking in a British accent despite the fact she is a native of Louisiana, and she lost custody and visitation rights to her two sons.