LOS ANGELES - A LAWSUIT filed by Britney Spears's former manager against the pop star and her family will go to trial next year, Los Angeles court officials confirmed on Monday.

Osama 'Sam' Lutfi - who last week was ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from Spears until 2012 - has been given a March 8, 2010 trial date in his suit, which alleges defamation, assault and breach of contract.

Lutfi is seeking unspecified general, special and punitive damages.

His suit alleges Jamie and Lynne Spears 'began a campaign of slander, libel and defamation aimed at discrediting, destroying and physically and emotionally intimidating Lutfi in order to drive him out of Britney's life.' Lawyers for Spears family are considering filing a countersuit.

Spears is rebuilding her career after a prolonged period of turmoil in her private life following her 2006 split from ex-husband Kevin Federline. -- AFP