Attorneys for pop star/actress Jessica Simpson have asked the Los Angeles judge in her divorce from Nick Lachey to step down.

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Court papers filed Wednesday by Simpson's legal team say Judge Michael P. Linfield could be "prejudiced" against her in the case, TV's "Extra" reported.

However, a source told People magazine Thursday the move was merely a technical one, since the couple are seeking to have their case heard by a private judge.

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"The goal is to have a private judge because both sides want this to be amicable and private," the source said.

Simpson filed for divorce Dec. 16 claiming "irreconcilable differences."