Britney Spears Allowed Phone Contact with Kids

By Ken Lee

01/28/2008 at 07:00 PM EST

Britney Spears is allowed to speak with her children on the telephone but still may not see them, according to court documents released Monday.

"(Spears) is to have telephonic contact with the minor children," Commissioner Scott Gordon ruled at last week's hearing. "All prior orders remain in full force and effect."

The pop singer, 26, has been forbidden to see her sons Preston, 2, and Jayden, 1, for more than three weeks, following her Jan. 3 custody standoff, which ended with her brief hospitalization.

Despite two attempts by her lawyers to regain her visitation rights, Spears cannot see her kids indefinitely, the judge has ruled.

Earlier Monday, Barbara Walters reported that Spears is seeking help for mental issues, according to confidante Sam Lutfi.