Cher Secures Pause on LA Conservatorship for Elijah as NH Battle Continues

In a Los Angeles Superior Court hearing on Tuesday, September 1, Cher, the 80‑year‑old singer and mother of Elijah Blue Allman, secured a temporary halt to her petition for a conservatorship over her son’s estate. The judge, Jessica A.

Uzcategui, paused the case while a separate guardianship dispute proceeds in New Hampshire.

The decision comes amid ongoing proceedings that could determine who will oversee Allman’s personal and financial affairs. Cher has argued that her son’s mental health struggles and substance‑use issues jeopardize his ability to manage the roughly $120,000 annually he receives from his late father’s trust.

Allman did not appear in person or remotely, while his wife, Marieangela King, stood in the courtroom to support him. King’s presence underscored the family’s divided stance on guardianship and conservatorship matters.

## Background & Context

Cher first petitioned for a conservatorship in 2023 after concerns about Allman’s mental health and substance abuse arose. She claims that his condition has “significantly deteriorated” since then and that he routinely exhausts trust distributions shortly after receiving them.

The court previously authorized an investigator to review his medical records, with sealed reports filed on June 18.

In New Hampshire, guardianship proceedings began on July 7, 2023, covering both Allman’s person and estate. A supplemental filing obtained by reporters on August 28 noted that the state hospital had initiated a petition and sought to appoint Allman’s half‑brothers, Chaz Bono and Devon Allman, as guardians.

The filing also stated there was “no longer a dispute” about the need for guardianship but that the identity of the guardian remained contested. King has objected, arguing that current treatment and court supervision already safeguard his finances and requesting appointment as conservator if deemed necessary.

The two legal battles intersect, with Cher’s attorneys indicating uncertainty about how long the New Hampshire guardianship will last. If it proves sufficient, Cher may dismiss the California petition; if not, she intends to continue pursuing a conservatorship “for his protection.”

## What Happened in Court

During the September 1 hearing, Judge Uzcategui reiterated that Allman had previously informed the court he wished to represent himself. “At the last hearing, Mr. Elijah Allman advised the court that he wished to represent himself,” the judge said.

“The court did advise Mr. Allman that that was not possible and that he did need an attorney.”

The judge also addressed the absence of counsel, noting: “I did order Mr. Steven Brumer to appear today and the court sent notice to Mr. Brumer to appear today as well as advising Mr.

Brumer that if he did not appear today, the court would reappoint council for Mr. Allman.” She added, “Mr. Brumer is not here today, Mr.

Allman is not here today, I am going to reappoint council,” and continued, “And then because we do not have Mr. Allman or a representative on his behalf here today, I am simply going to continue this matter.”

King provided a statement to reporters: “As Elijah’s wife of 13 years, I love him and want what is best for him, which is a robust and long‑term treatment plan. My husband and his mother have been estranged for many years, and she has repeatedly blocked my efforts to get him help.

If she is in control of who becomes conservator, I believe it would jeopardize his chances of a hopeful recovery.” The judge set the next hearing for December 1, which also marks the couple’s wedding anniversary.

The ruling effectively pauses Cher’s California petition for roughly four months while the New Hampshire case proceeds. The court had previously declined to grant a temporary emergency conservatorship while Allman was in a psychiatric facility in New Hampshire.

## Next Steps and Legal Strategy

Cher’s attorneys have outlined a dual‑scenario plan. If the New Hampshire guardianship is deemed permanent and provides adequate protection, Cher may dismiss the California petition.

If the guardianship proves temporary or if Allman is allowed to leave New Hampshire, she intends to continue pursuing conservatorship “for his protection.” The attorneys emphasized that they have been informed the New Hampshire court found guardianship appropriate but noted an ongoing dispute over who will serve as guardian.

The New Hampshire petition involves bonds: Chaz Bono’s $10,000 fiduciary bond was approved on July 20, while Devon still must submit a signed bond form. King claims she was not given notice of the New Hampshire proceedings and that the matter was placed in abeyance after she raised the issue to allow her to be heard.

She also argues that her estrangement from Allman and his refusal to meet with her on three occasions undermine her suitability as a guardian.

Allman’s legal troubles extend beyond the guardianship debate. He was arrested on February 27 after an incident at St. Paul’s School in Concord, N.H., and booked on two counts of simple assault, one count each of criminal trespass, criminal threatening, and disorderly conduct.

Police responded to a call about a disturbance involving an unwanted male guest at the prep school around 7 p.m.

Reps for Cher and Allman have not yet commented on the latest court filing. The case remains a complex legal and familial dispute with significant implications for Allman’s future care and financial management.

The outcome of the New Hampshire hearing on December 1 will likely determine whether the Los Angeles conservatorship petition is revived or dismissed, setting the stage for the next chapter in this ongoing guardianship saga.