Lindsay Lohan Praised by Judge at Probation Hearing

Shawn Chapman Holley and Lindsay Lohan in court today.

For once, a Lindsay Lohan court hearing actually went well.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Stephanie Saunter praised the 25-year-old actress for having completed her required community service and therapy stemming from her probation for her 2007 DUI and 2011 shoplifting case. At Lohan's November probation violation hearing, Saunter ordered her to do a minimum of 12 days of community service per month at the L.A. County Morgue and attend a minimum of four psychotherapy sessions per month.

"Ms. Lohan, you have actually done the work, and done it not only on time, but early," Saunter said. "You're doing well and I'd like to see you continue."

Dressed in a white cardigan sweater with her hair pulled back, Lohan nodded earnestly at the judge and smiled a few times during the brief hearing. Saunter stipulated that Lohan could travel to see her family for the holidays and could travel for pleasure at any point after completing her required 12 days of community service between court hearings.

But when Lohan's attorney Shawn Chapman Holley asked if Lohan could be excused from having to show up at future hearings, Saunter declined.

"I think she likes to come here and see me," she joked, as Lohan gaped in surprise. "I think that's motivation for her."

Lohan is due back in court for another progress hearing on January 17.