Cher appeared emotionally distraught in a Los Angeles court on Monday, January 29, 2024. She attended remotely to hear the judge’s decision on her request for a temporary emergency conservatorship for her 47-year-old son Elijah Blue Allman. The judge ultimately denied this.
Cher made this request because she thinks the situation is dire. She wants to control the money from his trust but more importantly she wants to keep her son alive. She is worried about his future.
Cher’s lawyers did the majority of the speaking, explaining her thought process. They stated that “she feared that her son would not be alive within the year” because of his “history of drug use” and “schizoaffective disorder” diagnosis. They also are expecting he will be additionally diagnosed as bipolar.
Cher believes there is an immediate need for conservatorship. “Cher was told by doctors that if she did not take this step as his mother that he will once again end up on the street,” her lawyers stated on her behalf. Elijah’s legal team argued that he is receiving treatment for addiction, making the conservatorship unnecessary.
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Cher’s team countered Elijah’s point about receiving treatment. They believe his mental illness deserves more attention. “[Drug use] is the secondary issue, it is the issue of mental illness that makes Mr. Allman vulnerable,” they argued. “He is surrounded by people who deny the mental illness component.”
It was revealed during the proceedings that Elijah has been placed on several 5150 holds this year. This is when a person is placed on an involuntary 72-hour hold for psychiatric reasons. Elijah was sober during these, so Cher’s team used this as evidence of his mental illness’ impact on his life.
Cher revealed she is OK with a “third-party professional fiduciary.” She says she does not have to be the person in charge of the conservatorship. She simply wants to make sure her son’s life is not in danger.
The judge explained why the court did not grant the temporary conservatorship. The court believes that Cher’s arguments were based on fears and hypotheticals, citing insufficient evidence. “That in and of itself is not the basis for the court to appoint a probate conservatorship," the judge concluded.
The judge also pointed to positive aspects of Elijah’s life. They stated his finances are stable, he has somewhere to live, and he is sober. He even submitted to multiple drug tests.
Cher previously requested a temporary emergency conservatorship in January but was denied because Elijah’s team was not given enough preparation time. The larger conservatorship case still remains ongoing. March 6 is the next scheduled court date.
Elijah attended the proceedings in person. He was accompanied by his estranged wife Marieangela King. After the decision was made, Elijah’s attorney Steven Bremer spoke on behalf of his client.
“Elijah is thrilled, as the Court saw, he does not need a temporary conservatorship. He's grateful to his fans, friends and community for their support. He's doing great,” he stated. "We're looking forward to March."
