Singer and actress Cher is contesting her daughter-in-law Marieangela King-Allman’s bid to be appointed conservator for her son, Elijah Blue Allman. Court filings reveal a deepening legal dispute over the management of Allman’s affairs, with Cher alleging King-Allman is motivated by financial gain and a desire for fame.
Conservatorship Dispute Unfolds in Court
The legal battle centers on Elijah Blue Allman, 50, who is currently receiving treatment at the New Hampshire State Hospital, a psychiatric facility, following recent arrests. His wife, Marieangela King-Allman, 39, filed a request on August 18 to be named his conservator. However, Cher, 80, formally opposed this in a filing submitted on August 28 through her attorney, Justin Gold.
Cher’s legal team stated in the filing that her family believes King-Allman is re-entering Elijah’s life with the intention of securing money and potentially achieving a degree of celebrity. This opposition comes less than two months after the New Hampshire State Hospital, on July 7, initiated proceedings to establish a guardianship for Elijah, covering both his personal and financial matters. The hospital suggested that his half-brothers, Chaz Bono and Devon Allman, assume these responsibilities, according to Cher’s court documents.
Family and Hospital Oppose King-Allman’s Appointment
Cher’s filing emphasizes that the New Hampshire State Hospital, along with the rest of the family, is strongly against Marieangela King-Allman serving as guardian. Several factors contribute to this opposition, including the couple’s previously pending divorce proceedings and King-Allman’s alleged refusal to assist Elijah and his caretaker, Kayti Pease, during his struggles prior to his arrest in New Hampshire.
A conservatorship hearing scheduled for Tuesday in Los Angeles was postponed by Superior Court Judge Jessica A. Uzcategui. The hearing is now set for December 1, as neither Elijah Blue Allman nor his legal representative was present. Page Six reported on the postponement.
Allegations of Financial Motivation
According to Cher’s court statement, King-Allman was in the process of divorcing Elijah and had been estranged from him for months when she initiated the conservatorship proceedings earlier this year. Cher further alleged that King-Allman did not offer any assistance to her spouse, despite repeated requests from Pease. Cher believes King-Allman views the conservator role as a financial opportunity to control Elijah’s income and is attempting to leverage his incarceration to re-enter his life.
Cher also noted in her filing that Elijah had declined to see King-Allman on three separate occasions during her visits to him in New Hampshire. Given King-Allman’s alleged behavior and indifference to Elijah’s health and living situation over the past year, Cher argued that she should not be considered a viable candidate for a court-appointed fiduciary role.
Elijah Blue Allman’s History and King-Allman’s Claims
Elijah Blue Allman, the son of Cher and the late musician Gregg Allman, has a documented history of substance abuse. He has spoken openly about starting drug use around age 11 and later progressing to heroin and opiates during difficult periods in his life. In 2014, he told Entertainment Tonight about experiencing “close calls” and feeling “at the edge of mortality” during his struggles, emphasizing the potential for slipping into an “abyss” despite knowing his actions were wrong.
Marieangela King-Allman has stated that she was not properly informed about the conservatorship proceedings for Elijah, which she believes she should be overseeing. She contends that with Elijah at the New Hampshire facility, that state is best positioned to handle the guardianship issue. King-Allman also raised concerns about Cher’s pursuit of the conservatorship, suggesting it creates a jurisdictional conflict with the New Hampshire court. She further expressed that Elijah’s recovery could be jeopardized if Cher, with whom he has been estranged for years, were to appoint his conservator.
Divorce Filings and Dismissals
Elijah Blue Allman and Marieangela King-Allman first married in 2013. King-Allman filed for divorce in 2021, but this filing was dismissed in February 2024. She subsequently filed for divorce again in April 2025, citing irreconcilable differences, but this second filing was also dismissed in June.
Court documents filed in May on behalf of Elijah Allman indicated that Cher had not provided him with financial support since August 2021. The ongoing legal actions highlight the complex family dynamics and the challenges surrounding Elijah Blue Allman’s well-being and legal standing.
Conclusion: A Complex Legal and Family Matter
The conservatorship battle involving Cher, her son Elijah Blue Allman, and his wife Marieangela King-Allman underscores a deeply personal and contentious legal dispute. With allegations of financial motives, a history of estrangement, and ongoing mental health and legal challenges for Elijah, the court faces a significant decision regarding his care and the management of his affairs. The case is expected to continue as further hearings are scheduled.
