Cher fights daughter-in-law over son Elijah Blue Allman’s guardianship

Cher is once again fighting a legal battle over the care and financial affairs of her son, Elijah Blue Allman, as concerns about his mental health and substance-use struggles continue to draw attention.

The 80-year-old singer recently filed a supplemental brief in a Los Angeles court opposing the possible appointment of Elijah’s estranged wife, Marieangela King-Allman, as his guardian. Cher argues that her daughter-in-law should not be placed in charge of her son’s affairs, while King-Allman has pushed back and sought a greater role in his care. 

Cher says she wants to protect her son

Cher’s legal fight is rooted in concerns about Elijah’s wellbeing. The singer has previously argued that her son is unable to properly manage his financial affairs because of serious mental health and substance-use problems.

Elijah, 50, is currently being treated at New Hampshire State Hospital while facing criminal charges. His circumstances have made the question of who should oversee his affairs especially complicated.

Cher previously attempted to obtain a conservatorship over Elijah in 2023. She eventually withdrew that case in 2024 after the family entered mediation and worked toward repairing their relationship. However, she renewed her legal efforts in 2026 following new concerns surrounding her son. 

Tension with Marieangela King-Allman

Marieangela has challenged Cher’s position and argued that she should have a role in Elijah’s care if a guardian is ultimately appointed.

The couple have had a complicated relationship, including previous divorce proceedings. In 2026, however, Marieangela withdrew her latest divorce petition and said she wanted to remain involved in her husband’s recovery. She has argued that Elijah is receiving structured treatment and that his condition should not automatically mean he needs someone else to control his affairs. 

Cher, meanwhile, has questioned whether Marieangela is the appropriate person to take responsibility for Elijah. In her latest filing, her lawyers reportedly cited the couple’s estrangement and alleged that Marieangela had not provided sufficient support during earlier periods of Elijah’s struggles. Those are allegations presented in court documents, rather than established findings against King-Allman. 

A complicated family battle

The dispute is not simply about money. At its center is a mother trying to protect her adult son while the court considers his independence, health and personal wishes.

Cher has supported the possibility of Elijah’s half-brothers, Chaz Bono and Devon Allman, taking on a guardianship role instead of Marieangela. A related guardianship case in New Hampshire is expected to help determine who should ultimately have authority.

For now, the legal battle remains unresolved. The next major hearing is scheduled for December 1, while Cher’s California conservatorship proceedings have been delayed as the New Hampshire case moves forward. 

The situation remains deeply personal for Cher, who appears determined to ensure that her son receives protection and support while the courts decide what arrangement is in his best interests.