Britney Spears' $61m mistake

Britney Spears' recent troubles have reportedly cost her nearly $61 million.

The 'Toxic' singer's father Jamie, who is also co-conservator of her estate, made the shocking discovery after examining Britney's accounts.

A source close to the Spears family said: "It's staggering how much money has been used up since February 2007."

Britney - who lost custody of her two children to ex-husband Kevin Federline before being admitted to a psychiatric ward earlier this year - has been forced to spend huge amounts on legal bills and psychiatric care.

Independent accountant Robert Bianchi - who is not involved in the Spears care - also estimates the 26-year-old singer lost out

on a staggering $50 million by not touring to promote her most recent record 'Blackout', according to In Touch Weekly magazine.

However, thanks to her father's stringent controls of her purse strings, Britney is said to now be back on track.

The source added: "It's been quite a challenge getting things under control. But now she's spending about a fifth of what she used to."

Meanwhile, Britney is reportedly planning to spend Mother's Day with her two sons Sean Preston, two, and 20-month-old Jayden James.

Kevin is said to be considering putting their custody battle aside so she can spend the special day (11.05.08) with the boys.

A source close to Kevin said: "He hasn't said yes yet, but he is considering it."