While Britney Spears remains in a psych ward in Los Angeles her parents have finally stepped into help their troubled daughter. James Spears was formally appointed to the position of conservator at a court hearing on Friday after the singer's latest hospitalization.

Commentary: While experts have wondered aloud for months why her family was not taking a more active role in dealing with their daughter's difficulties her parents immediately took full charge after being formally appointed on Friday. One key step was to place a restraining order on her manager and sometimes confidante Sam Lutfi. Spears had been taken early Thursday morning to UCLA Medical Center's psychiatric hospital, a day after an extreme argument between her and Lufti.