Troubled pop star Britney Spears and her ex-husband Kevin Federline are both under investigation by the Los Angeles County Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS), according to reports.

The former couple is due back in court on Monday to continue child custody negotiations, and according to website TMZ.com, DCFS will appeal to Commissioner Scott Gordon to open the files regarding the care of their young boys, Sean Preston and Jayden James. The department's concerns are said to be "frivolous," but DCFS has a legal obligation to investigate any such claims.

This is not the first time Spears has been investigated for child abuse by the DCFS - her former bodyguard Tony Barretto made an official complaint against the star in October, just one month after she was cleared of similar allegations from an anonymous tip-off.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)