Cher files for conservatorship over her son following multiple arrests and hospitalization

Cher is once again seeking conservatorship over her adult son Elijah Blue Allman, alleging that his drug addiction has seriously affected his mental health, resulting in thousands of dollars in property damages and a debt to a heroin dealer.

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The “Strong Enough” singer filed for financial conservatorship last week in Los Angeles Superior Court, the same court that rejected an identical request just over two years ago. Cher’s filing urges the court to appoint a temporary conservator to take control of Allman’s trust, her only source of income.

Allman is currently hospitalized in a psychiatric facility “in an effort to restore his competency” ahead of criminal charges stemming from two separate arrests in New Hampshire earlier this year.

The Concord Police Department arrested Allman on Feb. 27 after he showed up at a school “causing a disturbance and acting in a belligerent manner,” according to a March press release. He was charged with assault, criminal trespass, criminal threats and disorderly conduct and was released on bond.

A few days later, Allman was arrested again in nearby Windham, New Hampshire. The 49-year-old man allegedly broke into a home and was charged with burglary, two counts of criminal mischief and violating bail, the New Hampshire Union Leader reported.

Court records from those cases were not immediately available in New Hampshire’s online database, and it is unclear whether he has retained an attorney.

“Her mental health has seriously deteriorated, her financial situation is terrible, and her drug addiction is at an all-time high,” Cher’s filing states.

Allman’s trust was established by his late father, Greg Allman of the Allman Brothers Band. According to the filing, Allman receives regular distributions from the trust and would spend the funds on drugs almost immediately. “After receiving his trusted cast, he checks into a hotel – usually the Chateau Marmont – buys and uses drugs until he runs out of money, ends up in the hospital, or overdoses,” the filing states.

Allman allegedly caused $50,000 worth of damage to several Airbnb rentals booked in the name of a family friend, leaving the friend embroiled in a lawsuit with the company. He was also kicked out of 18 hotels because of his behavior and racked up an $18,000 debt to a drug dealer, according to the filing. His brother Devon Allman said in an affidavit that he recently visited Elijah and was forced to negotiate the debt directly with the dealership.

“It was clear from the debt he had accrued that he owed this drug dealer more than he had,” the affidavit states. “I strongly urge Elijah to stay away from money until he has demonstrated a commitment to investing in his long-term physical and mental health.”

Devon described his brother’s condition as “appalling and delirious” and said the visit left him with “an unhappy, deep sadness that took weeks of my life to process.”

Beyond the drug debt, the filing alleges that Allman owes $200,000 in unpaid taxes and an unspecified amount in spousal support to his ex-wife, and that he has “no concept of money” and is susceptible to undue influence.

Cher is only seeking financial guardianship – not personal guardianship, which would deprive Allman of the right to make his own decisions, including medical ones. Instead, she asks the court to appoint a conservator to receive and manage distributions from Allman’s trust on his behalf, covering his expenses and providing funds via a prepaid card “once it has been determined that he is safe to possess the money.”

Unlike her previous attempt, in which she sought to serve as conservator herself, Cher is now asking the court to appoint a neutral third party.

Cher first requested guardianship over her son in late 2023. The court rejected it in January 2024 after Allman insisted he did not use drugs — pointing to three negative drug and alcohol tests and regular attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. “While I understand that my mother believes she is looking out for my best interests and I appreciate her love and support, I do not need her unsolicited help at this time,” he wrote in a court filing.

Cher’s current filing calls that defense “nothing more than words,” alleging that Allman “abandoned his promises as soon as he made them.”