Los Angeles—A judge declared Thursday that Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson should be placed under a court conservatorship to manage his personal and medical decisions due to a “major neurocognitive disorder,” as stated by the musician’s doctor.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gus T.
May made this decision after approving a petition filed by Wilson’s family and inner circle following the death of his wife, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson, who had previously handled many of his tasks and affairs in January.
I find from clear and convincing evidence that a conservatorship of the person is necessary,” Judge May stated during the brief hearing.
The judge explained that the evidence presented shows that Mr.
Wilson consents to the arrangement and lacks the capacity to make health care decisions for himself.
Judge May appointed two longtime Wilson representatives, publicist Jean Sievers and manager LeeAnn Hard, as his conservators.
No significant objections were raised during the proceedings.
Two of Wilson’s seven children, Carnie and Wendy Wilson from the singing group Wilson Phillips, requested through their attorney that all the children be added to a group text chain about their father and consulted on medical decisions.
The judge granted these stipulations.
The two daughters had asked for a delay in the process at an April 30 hearing while issues were being worked out but reached consensus before the most recent hearing.
A doctor’s declaration filed with the petition in February stated that Mr.
Wilson has a “major neurocognitive disorder,” is taking medication for dementia, and is unable to properly provide for his own personal needs related to physical health, food, clothing, or shelter.
Ms.
Sievers and Ms.
Hard have maintained a close relationship with Mr.
Wilson and his wife for many years.
In a report, Robert Frank Cipriano, an attorney appointed by the court to represent Mr.
Wilson’s interests, stated that Mr.
Wilson acknowledged the need for the conservatorship and trusted the judgement of the two women.
Mr.
Cipriano’s report to the court stated that he visited Mr.
Wilson at his residence in Beverly Hills, where he lives with two daughters and a long-term live-in caregiver.
Mr.
Wilson can move around with assistance from a walker and the caregiver but has difficulty understanding others and providing coherent responses to questions or comments.
The attorney said he approved of the conservatorship due to Mr.
Wilson’s general consent.
Mr.
Wilson credited Ms.
Ledbetter Wilson with stabilizing his tumultuous life after they met in the mid-1980s and married in 1995.
The family, including Mr.
Wilson, his seven children, his caregiver, and his doctors, consulted before the petition was filed.
A statement from the family at that time said the decision aimed to ensure “there will be no extreme changes” and that “Brian will be able to enjoy all of his family and friends and continue to work on current projects.
California judges can appoint a conservator for a person, their finances (referred to as the estate), or both.
The Wilson case did not seek a conservator of the estate because his assets are in a trust, with Ms.
Hard serving as a trustee.
Throughout his career, Mr.
Wilson faced challenges related to mental health and substance abuse issues that disrupted his music career during the 1960s.
He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 along with his bandmates, including brothers Carl and Dennis and cousin Mike Love.