Britney Spears' loss of visitation rights with her children and her recent "involuntary" commitment to a hospital for 72 hours after she refused to surrender custody of the children to her ex-husband is a rare event in the world of family law.

The Court has done this to grab Britney's attention since she has shown a pattern for not being respectful to the Court and its orders over the past year. If Britney shows the maturity that is required to be a parent, then I'm sure the Court will change its order.

It is inconceivable to think that Britney will never see her kids again. At the very least if drugs or alcohol impaired her ability to look after the children, she would be granted some form of "supervised" parenting time where she could still maintain her relationship with the children.

Britney needs to show some respect for the Court's orders and quite frankly needs to grow up. At the moment it is as if she has pressed the self-destruct button on her child custody case.

Britney's recent involuntary hospitalization is an example that all is not well with her. She clearly needs to get professional help and it is not uncommon during a divorce or custody dispute for someone to seek counseling or therapy.

Nothing is ever permanent in custody matters; if circumstances change and Britney "cleans up her act" she will most likely end up with shared custody of her kids.

Courts have a mission to do what is in the best interests of the children, and depriving them of their mother is not usually the plan.

Britney is entirely in control of her destiny. Hopefully, the Court's temporary suspension of her parenting time will serve as the wakeup call it is meant to be. She should seek professional help to set her back on the right path.

Children need the love and affection of both parents.

Susan Reach Winters specializes in family law at Budd Larner, Short Hills, N.J. Find out more about her here.