Britney Spears and Kevin Federline, the singer’s ex-husband, have reached an agreement in their lengthy custody dispute.

The singer will now pay Federline $20,000 in benefits a month – up $5,000 on their previous agreement. Spears must also make a one-off $250,000 payment to Federline’s legal team.

Although Federline will maintain full custody of Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1, Spears is expected to be granted more access by the end of 2008.

Currently, the singer is restricted to three visits a week, including two overnight stays.

Spears lost custody of her children last year after a number of bizarre public outbursts.

(by Jason Gregory)