Jay Leno granted conservatorship of his wife's estate

[greysfang]

I don't even like him that much and this story made me sad

Jay Leno granted conservatorship of wife Mavis Leno’s estate
By Alli Rosenbloom, CNN
1 minute read
Published 8:03 PM EDT, Tue April 9, 2024

CNN
—
Jay Leno’s request for a conservatorship of his wife Mavis Leno’s estate was granted on Tuesday during a hearing in a Los Angeles courtroom.

According to documents filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court after today’s hearing, the judge determined Jay Leno was “suitable and qualified” to be appointed the estate’s conservator.

The judge also found “clear and convincing evidence that a Conservatorship of the Estate is necessary and appropriate,” according to the court documents, because Mavis Leno is “unable” to independently manage her financial affairs due to the fact that she lives with dementia.

The judge also determined the conservatorship is the “least restrictive alternative” needed for Mavis Leno’s protection.

CNN has reached out to representatives Mavis Leno for comment. A representative for Jay Leno declined to comment.

In January, the 73-year-old comedian and former “Tonight Show” host filed a petition requesting a conservatorship of his wife’s estate so that he can execute an estate plan on her behalf.

The execution of her estate plan is something that Jay Leno believes she “would execute if she had the capacity to do so,” according to his filing earlier this year. He has primarily managed their finances throughout their marriage and stated at the time that he’ll continue to do so.

The couple have been married for more than 43 years.

www.cnn.com/2024/04/09/entertainment/jay-leno-granted-conservatorship-of-wife-mavis-lenos-estate/index.html

[notoriousmkg]

Very sad to hear. She has always been very low key. The first thing I'd ever heard of her besides being Jay Leno's wife was that, before 9/11, she was doing some kind of events in California to raise awareness of the plight of women living under the Taliban in Afghanistan.

[Froogy]

What am I missing here? Why would a spouse of 43 years need to file for conservatorship unless it was contested? Wouldnt Jay be considered next of kin automatically granting him this status?

[no1novice]

Legal status.

We have done something similar with my mother as she was going downhill.

[charmedhour]

Apr 10, 2024 2:31:02 GMT Froogy said:

What am I missing here? Why would a spouse of 43 years need to file for conservatorship unless it was contested? Wouldnt Jay be considered next of kin automatically granting him this status?

Generally, a conservatorship is needed when a person lacks the capacity to care for their basic needs; food, clothing, shelter and money management. It's very common when someone has a diagnosed neurocognitive disorder like dementia or Alzheimer's.


Other circumstances like a sudden incapactiation without advanced directives in place, such as power of attorney or health care directives as well.

[podium]

Apr 10, 2024 2:31:02 GMT Froogy said:

What am I missing here? Why would a spouse of 43 years need to file for conservatorship unless it was contested? Wouldnt Jay be considered next of kin automatically granting him this status?

No, a guardianship or conservatorship is never automatic. Someone must petition the court for them and first demonstrate that the person lacks capacity to make their own decisions and secondly that there is no other way for the assets to be administered. That is, the assets belong to the incapacitated individual and are not in joint tenancy or tenancy by the entirety and they are not in a trust and there are no advance directives. Once need is established, then the court will make a decision as to who is best suited to serve as guardian/conservator.

This is why everyone should have powers of attorney.