A Los Angeles judge postponed Cher's bid to establish conservatorship over her son Elijah Blue Allman's finances on Tuesday, as a separate guardianship case unfolds in New Hampshire. The musician did not appear in court for the Sept. 1 hearing.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Jessica A. Uzcategui noted that Allman had previously indicated he wished to represent himself, but the court advised him that he required legal counsel. As neither Allman nor his appointed attorney appeared, the judge reappointed counsel and continued the matter to Dec. 1, which is also Allman and his wife's wedding anniversary.
Cher's legal team had requested the California proceedings be postponed for approximately 120 days. This request stemmed from guardianship proceedings initiated on July 7 by New Hampshire State Hospital for both Elijah Allman's person and estate. Cher's filing sought to have her other sons, Chaz Bono and Devon Allman, appointed as guardians in New Hampshire.
According to Cher's attorneys, the New Hampshire court agreed that a guardianship was appropriate, but a dispute remains over who should serve. Cher's filing indicated that if the New Hampshire guardianship proves permanent and adequately protects her son, she may withdraw her California conservatorship petition. However, if the guardianship is temporary or Allman leaves New Hampshire, Cher intends to pursue the conservatorship for his protection.
The legal effort is part of Cher's ongoing concern over her son's mental health, substance abuse, and ability to manage his finances. She has argued that a conservator is necessary to protect the approximately $120,000 in annual trust distributions Elijah Allman receives from his late father, Gregg Allman's estate.
Cher alleges her son is "gravely disabled," that his condition has significantly deteriorated, and that he routinely exhausts his trust distributions shortly after receiving them. Her attorneys further claim Elijah's "drug dependency is at its worst" and that his mental health struggles have led to financial mismanagement and risky behavior concerning his assets.
Previously, the court had authorized an investigator to review Allman's medical records. Sealed reports were subsequently filed.
Meanwhile, Elijah Blue Allman's wife, Marieangela King, filed an objection to Cher's petition in July. King argued that a California conservatorship is unnecessary and asked the court to dismiss or stay the case. She claimed Allman has been in New Hampshire since before February and that his current treatment and professional trust management provide sufficient safeguards. King alternatively requested to be appointed conservator if one was deemed necessary.
Cher's attorneys have countered that King is unfit to serve as conservator, citing her estrangement from Elijah during his struggles and accusing her of seeking financial control. They also stated that Elijah has refused to meet with King on multiple occasions while at the New Hampshire State Hospital.
New Hampshire State Hospital and Elijah's family are reportedly opposed to King serving as guardian, with concerns that she is seeking money or attention. Cher's attorneys noted that a future hearing in New Hampshire will determine if King can or should serve as guardian.
Allman was arrested on Feb. 27 in Concord, New Hampshire, on charges including simple assault, criminal trespass, criminal threatening, and disorderly conduct, following an incident at St. Paul's School. The criminal case is ongoing.