Amanda Bynes has reached a significant milestone in her long journey of personal recovery and stability. After nearly three years under a court-appointed conservatorship that gave her mother, Lynn Bynes, control over both her personal affairs and finances, the 31-year-old actress has regained full authority over her own money.

A judge in Los Angeles officially terminated the conservatorship of Bynes’ estate in March 2017, following a detailed review of her progress and financial records. The decision marked a major step forward for the former child star, who had spent years navigating public struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and the intense pressures of early fame.

Her conservatorship attorney, Nyree Kolanjian, told PEOPLE exclusively that the court’s ruling reflected how much better Bynes was doing. “Because Amanda was doing much better, in October 2016, after providing a detailed accounting of the estate and accounting for every expenditure and receipt, Lynn petitioned the court to terminate the conservatorship of the estate,” Kolanjian explained.

After several court hearings and thorough presentations about Bynes’ recovery and future plans, the judge agreed that continued court supervision over her finances was no longer necessary. “The court felt, based on Amanda’s progress and her great relationship with her parents, there was no longer a need for court supervision of Amanda’s money and she and her family can handle her financial affairs privately,” Kolanjian said. “This was a first step in the right direction. Amanda’s doing fantastic.”

While Lynn Bynes continues to serve as conservator over her daughter’s “person” — which includes decisions related to health and medical care — the financial side of the conservatorship has been fully lifted. This means Amanda now has the legal right to manage her own bank accounts, investments, earnings, and spending without court oversight.

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The news comes after a difficult period in Bynes’ life that played out very publicly. Once one of Hollywood’s brightest young talents, she rose to fame as a child star on Nickelodeon with The Amanda Show (1999–2002) and later starred in the popular sitcom What I Like About You (2002–2006). She transitioned successfully to film with roles in movies like She’s the Man, Hairspray, and Easy A (her last acting credit in 2010).

However, starting around 2012, Bynes began facing a series of personal challenges, including mental health struggles and brushes with the law. She was charged with two hit-and-run incidents and arrested twice for driving under the influence. These very public incidents led to concerns about her well-being, ultimately resulting in her parents petitioning the court for a conservatorship in 2013.

For nearly four years, Bynes largely stepped away from the spotlight to focus on healing. She worked on repairing her relationship with her parents, continued her education by studying fashion design, and committed herself to sobriety. In a candid interview with Hollyscoop’s Diana Madison on Friday — her first in four years — Bynes revealed she had been sober for three years and expressed excitement about returning to acting.

“I want to do TV, maybe a few guest spots on some shows that I’m a fan of and maybe another TV show that I’m the star of it,” she said, signaling a hopeful new chapter.

Those close to Bynes say her progress has been remarkable. Kolanjian noted that her parents are “thrilled with Amanda’s progress and how well she’s been doing.” The family has rebuilt a strong, supportive relationship, which played a key role in the court’s decision to return financial control to Amanda and her parents to manage privately.

The conservatorship of the estate had required detailed monthly and annual accountings of every expense, receipt, and financial decision. Lynn Bynes had responsibly managed those affairs during a time when Amanda needed extra protection. The successful termination of that portion of the conservatorship reflects the trust the court now places in Amanda’s ability to handle her own money responsibly.

For Bynes, regaining control of her finances represents more than just legal independence — it symbolizes real personal growth and stability after years of turbulence. The decision allows her greater freedom to make choices about her career, investments, and daily life while still benefiting from the continued oversight of her health matters by her mother.

Her attorney described the development as “a first step in the right direction,” emphasizing that Amanda is doing exceptionally well. Friends and family in her inner circle have echoed that sentiment, expressing pride in how far she has come and confidence in her ability to move forward.

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Bynes’ story has often been viewed as a cautionary tale about the pressures of child stardom, the challenges of mental health in the public eye, and the difficulties of growing up under intense scrutiny. Yet her recent progress highlights the possibility of recovery, healing, and second chances. Her commitment to sobriety, education, and rebuilding family relationships has clearly paid off.

As she looks toward the future, Bynes appears focused on reclaiming her creative passions. Her interest in returning to television — whether through guest roles or potentially starring in a new project — suggests she is ready to re-engage with the industry on her own terms, with healthier boundaries and stronger support systems in place.

The termination of the financial conservatorship also removes a layer of public legal oversight that had followed her for years. Moving forward, her financial decisions will be handled privately by Amanda and her family, allowing her more autonomy while preserving the protective structure around her personal and medical care.

This balanced approach — maintaining conservatorship over her person while lifting it from her estate — reflects the court’s careful assessment that Amanda has made enough positive strides to manage her money responsibly, even as continued support remains in place for her overall well-being.

For fans who have followed Bynes’ journey from her early days as a comedic prodigy to her more turbulent years and now this period of recovery, the news brings a sense of hope. Many have expressed support and encouragement online, celebrating her growth and wishing her continued success.

Amanda Bynes’ story is a reminder that recovery is rarely linear and that healing takes time, patience, and support. Her willingness to step back from the spotlight when she needed to, focus on her health, and gradually rebuild her life demonstrates strength and self-awareness.

As she regains control of her finances and looks ahead to new creative opportunities, Bynes appears to be entering a more stable and empowered phase of her life. With her family’s support and her own determination, she is poised to write the next chapter on her own terms — one that prioritizes well-being, creativity, and personal peace.

Her attorney’s final words captured the optimism surrounding this development: “Amanda’s doing fantastic.” For someone who has faced such public challenges, that simple statement carries profound meaning. It reflects years of hard work, growth, and the quiet courage it takes to rebuild after difficult times.

Amanda Bynes’ journey is far from over, but this milestone — regaining control of her personal finances — stands as an important victory and a hopeful sign of continued progress in the years ahead.