A lawsuit filed against Britney Spears by her children's former nanny has been left in limbo - because the plaintiff's lawyers are struggling to locate the star in order to serve her with court papers.

Ferial Zaltash claims she was employed as the Toxic hitmaker's personal assistant and nanny in September, 2007, but resigned a month later.

She alleged Spears owed her $35,202 (£22,000) for her services, and she sued in 2010 after failing to receive payment.

But the case has hit a stumbling block because Zaltash's legal representative, Robert Gentino, hasn't been able to serve Spears, notifying her of the lawsuit.

He tells America's Star magazine, "We have been unable to locate her. I don't know who her lawyers are at this point."

Gentino, who has tried to hand deliver the documents to Spears' multiple California residences, is now considering filing an order of publication, which means he will no longer have to serve the singer if he can't track her down.

And the lawyer is convinced Spears is well-aware of the legal action: "I can't imagine how she couldn't know about the suit. It's all over the internet!"

Zaltash is also asking for almost $20,000 (£12,500) in penalties for unpaid wages and overtime. (c) WENN