Amanda Bynes Troubling Behavior

TMZ has learned ... the judge just GRANTED the request to extend Amanda's psychiatric hold for another 2 weeks. So even if the judge denies the temporary conservatorship Friday ... Amanda will stay in the psych ward for 2 more weeks.

Amanda Bynes is in a court hearing right now to determine if the 5150 psychiatric hold will be extended for 2 weeks, and if the judge denies the extension Amanda could walk free tonight ... TMZ has learned.

Sources connected with the matter tell TMZ the hearing is being held in the psychiatric hospital where Amanda has been confined. A judge is presiding over the hearing at the hospital.

We're told Amanda has her own lawyer who is arguing that the extension should be denied.

Our sources say the doctors are arguing that they need the 2 weeks to properly diagnose Amanda ... and that releasing her could pose a danger to herself and others.

If the judge denies the extension the 72-hour hold expires in a matter of hours and Amanda could go free.

People connected with the case tell TMZ, however ... they feel confident doctors will win an extension.

We're also told the reason Amanda's parents are going to court Friday morning is because they are worried the judge will reject the 2 week extension and they want the ability to control her actions in the event that happens.

The parents of Amanda Bynes believe she's a substance abuser who has become paranoid, delusional and is draining her bank account ... this according to legal docs obtained by TMZ.

Amanda's parents filed papers in an attempt to win a temporary conservatorship. In the docs, they say Amanda has become "extremely paranoid about being watched," and she covers smoke alarms with towels and tapes windows shut to prevent cameras from shooting her.

The parents go on -- Amanda has "profound issues with her body image" and is "obsessed with the fact that she (and others) are ugly."

The parents say Amanda had $4 million in the bank, but is blowing a huge amount of cash -- she spent $1.2 mil in a very short amount of time. Amanda withdrew $100k on June 4 and another $100k on July 2 and the parents have no idea where the money went, but they mention they believe she spends "a substantial amount" for marijuana and other illegal substances.

The parents say Amanda doesn't connect with reality, telling them she "cabbed it" from New York to L.A. The parents believe she's homeless.

The documents described what TMZ first reported ... that the parents are hanging their hats on the driveway fire incident to show Amanda is a danger to herself and others.

The court denied the petition for a temporary conservatorship Friday morning, because the judge wanted more info.

Amanda Bynes will not go down without a fight ... because her lawyer just filed legal docs asking for an emergency hearing to let her loose from the psych ward ... TMZ has learned.

Amanda's lawyer just filed a motion asking the judge to release her from the 2-week forced hospitalization a judge approved Thursday.

There will be a hearing before a judge at the psych ward today at 2PM PT, challenging yesterday's 2-week extension, and Amanda will be present.

Meanwhile Amanda's parents showed up in court this morning in their attempt to win a temporary conservatorship, but they got shut down -- at least temporarily.

The judge said there was no need to rush things because Amanda is already being held for 2 weeks.

The judge wants certain things to happen before he rules on a conservatorship:

-- He wants a one-on-one with Amanda.

-- He wants the lawyer he appointed to rep Amanda to interview her and then come up with a recommendation.

-- He wants to hear from Amanda's doctors.

-- He wants to see the police file on "the incident" -- sources have told us the incident in question is the driveway fire.

Amanda Bynes' parents will tell a judge today ... the actress is in serious danger and could cause physical harm to herself ... and that's why they want to take control over her life, TMZ has learned.

Sources connected to the family tell us ... Amanda's parents will be in court this morning with their attorney, Tamar Arminak ....asking the judge to create a temporary conservatorship for their 27-year-old daughter.

Here's what her parents must prove:

1) Amanda does not have the ability to provide for her own physical health -- along with food, clothing and shelter

We're told her parents will use the gasoline fire in Thousand Oaks, which singed her clothes and caused damage to a home, as the centerpiece of their argument that she's in imminent danger of physically harming herself.

2) Amanda cannot make sound financial judgements

Amanda's parents will argue her mental illness makes her unfit to protect her life savings.

3) They can provide a stable home for their daughter

We're told Amanda's parents will tell the judge ... they're prepared for Amanda to move into their Thousand Oaks home and they will provide all necessary care.

FYI -- Amanda owns two properties, but they're both leased out. She's lived in several hotels and apartment buildings ... but she's been thrown out of almost every one due to her erratic behavior.

4) There are no realistic alternatives to a conservatorship

We're told Amanda's parents will argue she's suffering from schizophrenia but will not seek treatment because she doesn't believe she has an illness -- even though she acknowledges there's a "good Amanda" and a "bad Amanda." They believe the only way to keep her safe is to provide round-the-clock care.

If the judge grants the temporary conservatorship, we're told the parents will immediately petition the court to make the conservatorship PERMANENT ... ala Britney Spears. The judge would then set a date for a full-blown hearing and appoint a lawyer to rep Amanda.

Today's hearing is set for 8:30 AM PT -- so stay tuned.

Nick Cannon tells TMZ ... when it comes to helping his former Nickelodeon co-star Amanda Bynes -- all he can do is pray.

Cannon -- who appeared on "All That" with Bynes back in the day -- has been an outspoken supporter of the actress throughout her recent issues.

But at LAX yesterday, Cannon told us it's gonna take some divine intervention to save his friend.

Amanda Bynes’ parents have just filed court documents asking a California judge to impose a conservatorship on their daughter due to her apparent mental illness, TMZ has learned.

The conservatorship would empower Amanda's parents to have decision-making authority over certain aspects of Amanda's life ... though it's unclear, at this point, what specific aspects Amanda's parents are looking to control.

Amanda is currently being held by authorities on a 5150 psychiatric hold ... which was put into place earlier this week after she lit a fire on the driveway of a random elderly woman in Thousand Oaks, Ca.

TMZ broke the story ... doctors at the psychiatric hospital say Amanda is showing signs of schizophrenia.

TMZ has learned the documents outline Amanda's bizarre behavior and highlight the troubling string of incidents -- including the driveway fire -- leading up to the 5150.

There will be a court hearing Friday.

It's worth noting ... it's VERY difficult to get a conservatorship in California.

Story developing ...

Amanda Bynes has been true to form in the hospital where she's being held on a psychiatric hold -- she's completely lucid for long stretches, and then goes off the handle crazy.

Sources with knowledge of the situation tell TMZ ... doctors have already determined Amanda is suffering from a severe mental illness "with schizophrenic tendencies." We're told she's aware "there's a good Amanda and a bad Amanda." When she talks about the bad Amanda she almost mimics an exorcism, pulling at her body as if to remove the demon, and even biting herself.

We're told yesterday Amanda was lucid for 10 hours -- she was kind, quiet and nice. During that 10 hour period the staff questioned her about the fire she started Monday and her personality changed radically. She got frustrated and "shut down." But she still remained "normal."

After 10 hours of normal, out of nowhere, her eyes widened, she started to grill the staff about her dog (the one she soaked in gasoline). The staff then told her the dog was safe with her parents, and Amanda went nuts, saying "They'll kill it, just like they tried to kill me." This went on for an hour.

Amanda then got incoherent and so out of control she had to be physically restrained.

And, we're told, Amanda was extensively drug-tested, and everything came up negative, except for marijuana.

Amanda Bynes is in for a tough road ahead -- dealing with what looks like a serious mental illness and a conservatorship -- but she's not going to be charged with another crime ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... prosecutors will NOT charge Amanda with trespass, arson or any other criminal offense in connection with Monday's bizarre driveway blaze. We're told cops and prosecutors view her conduct as non-criminal and rooted in mental illness. We're told the cops almost immediately decided Amanda needed professional help -- not punishment.

But the troubled star is not out of the woods. She faces DUI charges in L.A. and reckless endangerment and pot charges in NYC.

Amanda Bynes is exhibiting signs of schizophrenia ... and medical professionals and others WILL seek a 2-week extension on her 5150 psychiatric hold so doctors can properly diagnose her ... sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ.

We're told ... ever since Amanda was taken into custody Monday night -- after she lit a fire on an elderly woman's driveway in Thousand Oaks, CA -- people close to Bynes are convinced she's suffering from mental illness, specifically schizophrenia.

Sources tell us ... Amanda's parents will now ask a judge to put the 27-year-old in a conservatorship, a la Britney Spears, because they believe she is unable to care for herself and could be a danger to others.

Amanda's parents have wanted to take action for the past couple of months -- but they didn't have the goods because Amanda's conduct was not so over the line that a judge would take away her freedom.

Now, after the driveway fire incident ... the circumstances may have changed enough to convince a judge Amanda needs help and supervision.

7:18 AM PT -- THE DOG IS SAFE!!!!! Law enforcement officials tell TMZ ... Amanda's dog was claimed by her parents after she was placed on a 5150 hold.

Amanda Bynes accidentally drenched her pet Pomeranian with gasoline while building a fire in a residential neighborhood ... then raced to a nearby liquor store to clean the pooch ... and TMZ has the bizarre footage.

The surveillance video -- taken inside the liquor store -- begins minutes after Bynes allegedly used a canister of gasoline to fuel a fire outside a random elderly woman's home in Thousand Oaks, CA around 8:38 PM on Monday night.

At 8:39 PM ... Bynes can be seen bursting into the liquor store and darting straight for a restricted "employees only" area -- while holding the dog in her outstretched arms.

The cashier -- sensing something was wrong -- rushed out from behind the register and chased after Bynes to see what she was doing.

TMZ spoke to the owner of the store who tells us ... the cashier detected a strong odor of gasoline and observed Bynes attempting to rinse off the dog in a sink in the back area.

We're told ... as soon as the cashier confronted Bynes, she "freaked out" and left the store without further incident.

Moments later, cops located Amanda and placed her on a 5150 psychiatric hold believing she could pose a danger to herself and/or others.

Amanda Bynes' parents REFUSE to pay for the fire damage their daughter allegedly caused on a neighbor's driveway late Monday night ... telling TMZ it's Amanda's mess to clean up.

We spoke with Amanda's father who tells us he has no intention of paying for any damage or cleanup related to the blaze ... saying, "Amanda needs to pay for it."

TMZ broke the story ... cops believe Amanda used a gas canister to ignite a small blaze in the driveway of an elderly widow who lives in the same neighborhood as Amanda’s parents in Thousand Oaks, CA.

That woman, Bonnie Braaten, turned down an offer from a neighbor who volunteered to power wash her driveway and clean up the mess from the fire. Braaten thinks Amanda’s parents ought to pay for the cleanup ... but clearly, the feeling ain't exactly mutual.

Amanda is currently hospitalized involuntarily on a 5150 psychiatric hold -- while officials examine her mental state.

Amanda Bynes didn't just build a fire in a driveway Monday night ... she put a flaming cloth on top of a gas tank ... effectively creating a makeshift explosive -- this according to an eyewitness 911 call.

The caller describes it as a small fire -- a flaming cloth sitting on top of a gas tank in a residential driveway. He says the reason he called 911 is because of the gas tank ... i.e. the obvious possibility of a massive explosion. The caller says he couldn't tell if the gas tank was full or not.

The eyewitness also spoke to reporters earlier today, saying he found Bynes lying down near the driveway with her left pant leg on fire. He says she quickly put out the flames and didn't appear injured, but she said her dog had been burned.

His story is pretty crazy -- after he confronted Amanda about the fire, he says she took off and got into a cab. You gotta listen.

8:35 AM PT -- TMZ just spoke to the woman whose driveway Amanda built the fire on, and she tells us, she had no idea what was going on until cops knocked on her front door. She says cops asked her, "Do you know anyone by the name of Amanda Bynes, or why she would have some vendetta against you?" She said no ... not surprising because the woman is elderly.

Cops then described to her that there was a young lady in her driveway, who had lit a fire and was carrying a little red gas tank. The homeowner says cops told her Amanda had burned part of her clothing.

Amanda Bynes is currently hospitalized on a 5150 hold ... after starting a small fire in the driveway of some random person's house Monday night, TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us, the fire department responded to the home in Thousand Oaks, CA around 9 PM -- near where Amanda was just accused of trespassing -- after someone noticed the small blaze in the driveway. The sheriff's department was subsequently called when Amanda was found standing near the campfire.

When sheriff's deputies arrived, they questioned Amanda about what she was doing, and why she was doing it -- and based on her answers, they determined she needed to be hospitalized on a 5150 hold. Translation: her answers were really wacky.

A 5150 hold is an involuntary hospitalization for mental evaluation. Amanda can only be held for 72 hours though.

Britney Spears was famously taken in on a 5150 in 2008 during her pre-conservatorship period.

And just to give you an idea of what Amanda looked like yesterday, these photos were taken at Bloomingdales in Santa Monica just hours before the hospitalization ... around 5 PM.

Story developing ...

Cops confronted Amanda Bynes outside a retirement community after she got into an argument with a cab driver Sunday night ... TMZ has learned.

According to the cab driver ... Amanda was trying to get into an old folks home in Thousand Oaks -- outside L.A. -- when management at the place turned her away because they felt she was drunk and accused her of trespassing.

However, the retirement community was nice enough to call a taxi for Amanda -- but when she got into the cab she said ... "Get me the f**k out of here ... I don't have any money." Naturally, the driver kicked her out at that point.

We're told Amanda walked back toward the retirement community ... and that's when cops were called.

There's no record of Amanda getting arrested ... so, we're guessing she might have only been ticketed, possibly for trespassing.

Amanda grew up in Thousand Oaks -- and owns a house in nearby Calabasas.

The cab driver tells TMZ ... he was told Amanda was at the retirement village to visit a relative.

Story developing ...

Mmmmmmm Ritz -- TMZ has learned, Amanda Bynes ran up a super stoner bill at the Ritz-Carlton in NYC this week ... ordering more than $2,000 worth of room service before getting the boot on Thursday.

As we reported, Bynes was ejected from the hotel for smoking weed inside her hotel room, as well as for being intolerably rude to hotel staff. Bynes denied the allegations, but her hotel bill, obtained by TMZ, appears to back up the hotel's story.

According to the bill, Amanda racked up nearly $9,000 in charges, staying in a $700-a-night room -- and $2,389 of that bill came from room service orders.

The bill shows Amanda placed nearly FORTY (40) separate room service orders -- and we're not talking a side of fries here and some nachos there ... each order averaged roughly $60-70 a POP.

Amanda Bynes was unceremoniously ejected from a Ritz-Carlton in NYC Thursday after allegedly smoking weed in her hotel room and being so rude to hotel staff ... she made one poor girl cry ...sources tell TMZ.

Amanda begs to differ, telling us she left the hotel voluntarily -- and does NOT smoke weed.

Our sources say Amanda was a nightmare from the get-go, smoking weed everyday despite warnings from hotel staff. We're told Amanda tried using spray chemicals to mask the weed smell.

But that's not it ... we're told Amanda was unspeakably rude to the hotel staff, telling the front desk girl she was "too ugly" to check her in. We're told Amanda then offered her plastic surgeon's services to the desk girl in question ... and the tears started flowing.

The bad behavior continued until Thursday .... Amanda was scheduled to check out at noon, but the hotel staff had had enough ... and kicked her out several hours before mandatory check out.

In case you're wondering where Amanda's going next -- we're told she was last seen getting into a cab headed to LaGuardia Airport ... bound for L.A..