A US court has rejected an attempt by Britney Spears, 38, to have her father removed as conservator of her estate.

Jamie Spears has been his daughter’s legal conservator for 12 years, due to concerns about her mental health.

Ms Spears’ lawyer said the pop star was “afraid” of him, and that she would not perform so long as he remained in the role.

Her father’s lawyer argued that he always acted in the best interests of his daughter.

A judge said she would consider future appeals for his dismissal or outright removal.

In the meantime, at the request of Ms Spears, financial company Bessemer Trust has been appointed as a co-conservator, BBC reported.

During a hearing on Tuesday, Ms Spears’ lawyer, Samuel Ingham, said she and her father have no “viable working relationship” and have not spoken in a “long while”.