Cher, the 77-year-old singer, has filed to put his 47-year-old son, Elijah Blue Allman, under conservatorship, as multiple US media outlets have cited documents filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court.

According to the referenced documents, the actress and singer is seeking to be the sole person in control of her son’s estate, asserting that he is “substantially unable to manage his financial resources” due to recent substance abuse issues.

The guardianship of Cher’s son would envolve decision-making on his behalf. When someone is unable to make decisions independently, U.S. courts grant guardianship to individuals facing challenges such as dementia, mental illnesses, or other incapacities.

Why is Cher seeking to be the guardian of Elijah?

The documents claim that his ex-wife, Marieangela King, is deemed unfit to be his guardian, citing their tumultuous relationship marked by a cycle of drug addiction and mental health crises. Specific details regarding Elijah Blue Allman’s guardianship remain undisclosed and are anticipated to be clarified during a temporary hearing scheduled for January 5, with a subsequent hearing for a permanent order set for March 6.

Per CNN, her son is expected to receive funds from a trust by the year’s end. The document also highlights the 77-year-old singer and actress’s tireless efforts to facilitate Elijah’s treatment and provide him with the necessary support. The filing states, “Petitioner [Cher] cherishes Elijah profoundly and has consistently acted with his best interests in mind.”

Elijah Blue performing with his band Deadsy in 2006 (Paul Butterfield/Getty Images)

Back in October, Cher addressed Elijah’s substance abuse in an interview with People magazine. “I’m not facing any issue that millions of people in the United States aren’t. I’m a mother. This is my responsibility – in one way or another, to attempt to assist my children.” She emphasized the intrinsic joy of being a mother, stating, “You do anything for your children. Whenever you can help them, you just do it because that’s what being a mother is.”

How many children do Cher have?

Cher has two sons. Elijah, 47, is the son of Cher and her late spouse, the rocker Gregg Allman, with whom she was married from 1975 to 1979. He passed away in 2017 at 69 due to complications from liver cancer.

Chaz, her elder son, is from her relationship with Sonny Bono. He is a trans man and has become an LGBTQ rights activist. His journey is documented in the film “Becoming Chaz” (2011).