Jessica Simpson Seeks New Judge

Pop diva Jessica Simpson's lawyers filed court papers Wednesday requesting a new judge in her divorce from ex-pop diva (I kid) Nick Lachey, claiming the current judge in her case could be "prejudiced" against her or her attorney, TV's "Extra" reports.

In the documents, obtained by US news show Extra, the pop star's attorney states: "The Judge is prejudiced against Petitioner (Jessica Simpson) and/or Petitioner's attorney. He and/or Petitioner cannot have a fair and impartial trial."

A source close to the case insists the papers filed were a formality, and that Simpson and Lachey are in negotiations to have a private judge hear the case.

Another source tells PEOPLE "The goal is to have a private judge because both sides want this to be amicable and private," the source said.

Simpson filed for divorce Dec. 16 in Los Angeles Superior Court, citing "irreconcilable differences." She also requested that no spousal support be awarded and that her surname be officially changed back to Simpson.

Simpson and Lachey met in 1998 while she was pursuing a singing career and Lachey was a member of 98 Degrees. The couple married in 2002, and their fame skyrocketed with the debut of the MTV reality show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, which chronicled their first year of marriage.

With the announcement of their divorce last week, the couple issued a statement that said their decision to split was "the mutual decision of two people with an enormous amount of respect and admiration for each other."

By Fabien Montique posted time [ 7:35 AM] (2)