Putting an end to nearly nine months of legal proceedings, singer Cher has officially dropped her conservatorship bid for her son, Elijah Blue Allman. The singer, 73, filed for conservatorship in December 2023, citing concerns about her son's alleged substance abuse and mental health issues. The two reached a private agreement on September 13, 2024.
Allman's attorneys, Avi Levy and Steven Brumer of Cage & Miles, LLP, told People in a statement:
"The team successfully defended Elijah, resulting in Cher voluntarily dismissing her petition. This outcome allows the parties to focus on healing and rebuilding their family bond, a process that began during mediation and continues today."
Neither Cher nor Allman appeared in court for the final ruling on September 13, but Rolling Stone reported that the two had "privately resolved this matter," and that the singer wanted to have her petition dismissed without prejudice, which implies that she has the option to file again if she deems necessary.
Here's all you need to know about Cher's bid for conservatorship
Cher filed for the conservatorship back in December 2023, citing the need "to protect Elijah’s property from loss or injury," as according to her, he was " unable to manage his assets due to severe mental health and substance abuse issues."
According to the filing, she contended that "any funds distributed to Elijah will be immediately spent on drugs, leaving Elijah with no assets to provide for himself and putting Elijah’s life at risk."
She then deemed his wife, Marieangela King, unfit to assume the role, claiming "their tumultuous relationship has been marked by a cycle of drug addiction and mental health crises."
Come January, Cher petitioned for immediate temporary conservatorship. However, it was denied, as the judge ruled that Allman's legal team was not given adequate time to prepare and review all documents.
Later that month, the singer petitioned for the same again and faced the same ruling twice. According to the judge, Elijah proved himself when it came to managing his finances and owning an apartment. He also noted that he has since "remained drug-free" after submitting "several drug tests."
Allman and King's marriage wasn't going well and the two were headed towards divorce in February, but they decided to mend their ways instead. As per the legal documents, Hello magazine reported, she said:
"Elijah is a brilliant musical and conceptual artist and a king, thoughtful, and generous man. He is the love of my life and I absolutely adore him. He is also a recovering drug addict and alcoholic."
By May, one-half of the Sonny and Cher duo and Allman were attending private meditation sessions.
It was then that they decided to "pause all legal proceedings and related activities, including all discovery and motion practice, to allow the Parties to continue working together to privately and confidentially resolve this matter."