K-Fed's Attorney: Media Interest Helpful

Federline's Lawyer Discusses Britney, Kevin And Their Children

(AP)  The scene at the May 6 hearing was so low-key as to be almost anticlimactic. The tide had apparently turned, not only for Spears, but also for the horde that was feeding off months of high drama.

It was a long time coming.

"In order for a high-profile case not to be high profile, everybody's got to want it not to be high profile," Kaplan said. "That wasn't happening for a while."

While the frenzy may have abated, it hasn't completely dissipated, in part because the case is continuing in open court rather than before a private judge, where celebrities often choose to settle their private affairs. Kaplan says that's happening for reasons he can't discuss.

---

Photos: Pop Diva Britney

---

One of the effects, however, is an evolution of Federline's public image - from the guy who caused the downfall of America's pop princess, to the more stable, responsible parent in an ugly situation.

"I think when the media saw that here's a guy who stepped up to the plate, not just because he had to but because he wanted to ... I think they gained a respect for him and that really turned them around a lot," Kaplan said. "The mission involved - wanting to change the wrongful impression that was generally perceived for my client - without the media being a willing participant, it would have been impossible."

That "mission" is why Kaplan says he took the case. Kaplan prepared Federline's prenuptial agreement, and the two reunited when Spears filed for divorce.

"It was at that time that I knew that this was someone that I believed in who was taking on a cause that I believed in," Kaplan said. "I realized that, in order to achieve the goal that he had regarding custody, that we couldn't get from point A to point B without passing right through the center of the American dream."

With A-list resources, Spears has employed a revolving door of representation, including four family law firms and some 15 attorneys throughout the case, while Kaplan and his partner, Jim Simon, have been the only two fighting for Federline. Spears was forced to pay most of his legal bills, and as of last month, Kaplan was still due $343,834.

When Federline, who has two other children from a previous relationship, won sole legal and physical custody of Sean Preston and Jayden James in January, it was a victory for Kaplan & Simon, LLP. And it was merited, said Connoly Oyler, a veteran Los Angeles family law attorney who is not involved in the Spears-Federline matter.

"In Spears' case, with the emotional breakdown that she had, that's a legitimate reason for one parent to say, 'I want sole legal and sole physical (custody), because the other parent is not physically or psychologically able to take care of the children,"' he said. "There is good reason for Kevin Federline doing what he did, legally."

Despite the overabundance of drama and media, the Spears-Federline case does share one thing with other custody disputes, Kaplan said: It's a battle over the welfare of children who don't grasp what's going on around them.

"The bottom line is you've got two kids ... who don't know and don't care and should never have to care about who their parents are," he said. "They just want to be safe and secure, nurtured and bonded with their parents just like any other kids. ... That's really what's at the core of this just like any other case."

Kaplan said he's proud of what he and Simon have accomplished for Federline. The case is arguably among the most significant in the attorney's 34-year career, and Kaplan said it has inspired personal satisfaction and professional growth.

"We've expanded and everyone's coming and wanting to hire me," he said. "I'm seen as, in a lot of ways, taking on Goliath."

"Very few lawyers get the opportunity that this case has presented on every possible issue you can think of," he continued. "Even fewer lawyers recognize the opportunity, and even a smaller percentage of those have the (guts) to go for the opportunity."

Of course being around celebrity has perks of its own.

"It's made it possible to not have to make reservations at a restaurant," he said, "but that too shall pass."