Update to a post from 2012 concerning the Conservatorship of Zsa Zsa Gabor.
Previously, Gabor’s only child, 64-year-old Constance Francesca Hilton, asked a California court to establish a conservatorship to mange her mother’s care and protect her assets. Zsa Zsa Gabor’s daughter filed a conservatorship petition to gain control over her mother’s assets after she accused Gabor’s husband, Frederic von Anhalt, of mishandling the estate. Hilton also asked that she be appointed her mother’s conservator. Last year, Hilton alleged in her court filing that von Anhalt isolated Gabor from family and friends and she was concerned because her mother appeared to be heavily sedated during each of her last two visits. Gabor’s husband of 25 years, 68-year-old Frederic Prinz von Anhalt, opposed Hilton’s petition. Von Anhalt countered that Hilton was unfit to serve as conservator and accused her of abusing a previous power of attorney.
It appears that recently, the Honorable Judge Reva Goetz, of the Los Angeles Superior Court, Central District has issued a one-page order that would extend the Frederic von Anhalt’s conservatorship over Zsa Zsa Gabor and her assets. The Judge Goetz originally appointed von Anhalt to be Gabor’s temporary conservator on July 11, 2012. The new order would extend the conservatorship until August 21, 2013.
Last summer, in a court filing, a doctor who evaluated Gabor cautioned that it was in the aging actress’s best interests to remain in a familiar environment. Dr. Debra Judelson described Gabor as bedridden and largely unresponsive. Judelson stated the actress became agitated whenever she was removed from the familiarity of her own bedroom. The doctor also reportedly witnessed Gabor calm down when her husband spoke to her or touched her hand.
A California conservatorship exists when a judge appoints a responsible person or other entity to care for an adult who can no longer manage their own financial matters or care for themselves. After a conservator is appointed by a court, he or she is responsible for the conservatee’s protection and care as well as the management of the individual’s assets. In general, a spouse or domestic partner, relative, interested governmental entity, interested person or friend, or the conservatee may request a California conservatorship. If you feel someone close to you would benefit from a conservatorship, contact a knowledgeable Southern California probate lawyer to discuss your concerns. We can be reach at (310 914-3222 or (714) 280-0601.
California law provides that conservatorships can be created for people who are incapacitated and cannot manage their own affairs. A conservator has many powers and responsibilities, which can include the ability to make medical and financial decisions on the incapacitated person’s behalf.