Britney seeking pre-settlement peace?

Britney Spears met up with her ex-husband Kevin Federline in an attempt, it is believed, to come to an understanding before they face each other in court.

The former pop princess apparently requested the meeting with her aspiring hip hop star ex-hubby, just days after her disastrous 'come-back' performance at the VMAs.

"Britney asked for [the meeting]. She wants to put an end to this public debacle," a source told People magazine. "However, Kevin [has] refused. He needs more money so he's determined to win this."

Both sides are set to come face to face at a family court hearing at the beginning of next week. Federline is rumoured to have expressed concern for the children's well-being, following media reports of Spears' partying.

The 25-year-old singer is reportedly paying Federline, with whom she has two children, $20,000 per month. According to court documents Spears earns more than $700,000 a month.

But a source from the Federline camp denied the 29-year-old was seeking more money. Asked if Spears is likely to settle, the source told People: "She might settle, she's got stage fright."

The meeting took place on the first birthday of the couple's second son, Jayden James, while firstborn Sean Preston is two years old today (September 14). Federline has two children from a previous relationship with Shar Jackson.