Warning: The following article talks about substance abuse.
Cher recently filed for a temporary conservatorship of her 47-year-old son, Elijah Blue Allman. The pop icon stated his drug addiction and declining mental health as the reasons behind this move. She claims the issues leave him “unable to manage his financial resources” and might potentially threaten his life (via BBC).
As per the court documents seen by BBC, her lawyers note that there is an urgent need for a conservator. This move is not only to safeguard his property but also for his physical and mental wellness. While Cher’s son didn’t make an official statement when the news came to light, he uploaded a post with “#imprisonmentviaconservatorship.”
The petition filed by the singer-actress states that Elijah Blue Allman is entitled to regular deposits from a trust fund. However, the mom of two is “concerned that any funds distributed to Elijah will be immediately spent on drugs” (via People).
The conservatorship will also keep his finances from his wife, Marieangela King. The couple remains married after having filed for divorce in 2021. They had agreed to work on their marriage and pause the divorce proceedings. However, King has not met Allman in person in about six months.
In a recent phone call, Elijah Blue Allman exclaimed, “I am well, and able, and of sound mind and body” (via Associated Press). However, he didn’t comment on whether he would oppose the petition.
What is a conservatorship?
After Britney Spear’s conservatorship and Cher’s petition to be her son’s conservator, many might be wondering what it is. It can be understood as one attaining legal guardianship of an adult over certain aspects of their life.
A court grants conservatorship when a person can’t make their own decisions. For instance, a patient with dementia might need a conservator for their well-being. The conservatorship can give one control of an individual’s finances and/or personal affairs.
Children often file for the conservatorship of their parents to assist with their medical, financial, and mental health as they grow old. The status and capacity depend significantly on how dependent they must be on the conservator to make healthy decisions.
