The judge expanded her visitation schedule, giving her one monitored overnight visit a week with Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1, a court spokesman said. Lawyers will work on when the new schedule begins.

"Ms. Spears did speak (at the hearing)," says court spokesman Allan Parachini, "and her voice was soft and respectful."

Spears's attorney, Sorrell Trope, tells PEOPLE: "I consider this a very positive sign for my client. I have every expectation that she will comply with all the orders made by the court. I remain absolutely optimistic that she will eventually regain 50-50 custody."