Britney Spears files for divorce

There were repeated reports that the couple were planning to split

Pop star Britney Spears has filed for divorce from husband Kevin Federline citing "irreconcilable differences".

The couple wed in 2004, just months after Spears annulled her marriage to childhood friend Jason Alexander.

The singer, 24, will seek custody of the couple's two children, with visiting rights for Federline, 28.

The day before divorce papers were filed Spears gave a TV interview but gave no hint of marriage problems. She was later seen ice-skating in New York.

Federline's lawyer said his client had no comment.

BRITNEY'S LIFE AND TIMES Dec 1981 - Britney Spears born in Kentwood, Louisiana January 1999 - Debut single and album both top charts May 2000 - releases second album, Oops!... I Did It Again Jan 2004 - Marries childhood friend Jason Alexander - the marriage is annulled after 55 hours September 2004 - Marries Kevin Federline after whirlwind romance September 2005 - Gives birth to Sean Preston Federline June 2006 - A tearful and heavily pregnant Spears goes on TV to deny her marriage is in trouble September 2006 - Gives birth to second son - Jayden James November 2006 - Appears on Late Night with David Letterman without wedding ring November 2006 - Files for divorce Britney's highs and lows

The couple had their first child - Sean Preston - last year.

They announced the birth of their second son, named as Jayden James Federline in the divorce paper, in September.

Worth $123m

The divorce papers state the day of separation as 6 November.

In the documents, Spears asks that each party pay their own legal fees and does not request spousal support.

She also requests assets including "miscellaneous jewellery and other personal effects" and her earnings from after the separation date be confirmed as separate from her husband's property.

Spears has sold more than 60 million albums since her pop debut in 1998 with the UK number one single, Baby... One More Time.

Her personal wealth was estimated at about $123m in 2004 by Forbes business magazine.

The singer's first marriage, in January of that year, lasted just 55 hours.

Her record company said the wedding, which took place in Las Vegas, had simply been a joke that went too far.

She's a strong woman and she knows what she wants out of life Kevin Federline on Britney Spears

Spear's announced her marriage to Federline the following September, although divorce papers reveal that the couple were not officially married until 6 October.

Federline was, at the time, a dancer who had performed with Justin Timberlake and Michael Jackson.

He has since launched his own music career, which has met with limited success.

Widely known as K-Fed by Spears's fans, he has two children by his former partner, TV actress Shar Jackson.

'Normal couple

Spears's hits include Toxic, Baby... One More Time and Slave 4 U

The state of Spears's and Federline's marriage has been the focus of intense media speculation for months, with repeated reports the couple were planning to divorce.

Last December Spears's spokeswoman Leslie Sloan denied reports the pair were planning to split and that Federline was seeking a $125m divorce settlement.

"The story is untrue and hurtful," she said. "They are as normal as other couples. They fight, and they make up. They are fine and happy."

In a recent interview, Federline praised Spears for her positive influence on his life.

"She's a strong woman and she knows what she wants out of life and that helps build a strong man," he told the Associated Press.