"Exclusive Interview: Brian Wilson of Beach Boys Mental states require conservation.

 Judge orders conservatorship for Brian Wilson due to mental health concerns. 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge ruled on Thursday that Brian Wilson, founder of the Beach Boys and a music icon, should be placed under a court conservatorship to oversee his personal and medical decisions due to what his doctor has diagnosed as a "major neurocognitive disorder." 

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At a hearing, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gus T. May granted approval to the petition submitted by the family and close associates of 81-year-old Brian Wilson. This decision followed the unfortunate passing of his wife, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson, in January. Melinda had been instrumental in managing the majority of Wilson's responsibilities and affairs.

In this Feb. 10, 2013, file photo, musician Brian Wilson and his wife Melinda Ledbetter Wilson arrive at the 55th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Recently, a judge determined that Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson should be placed under a court conservatorship due to a diagnosed "major neurocognitive disorder," as stated by his doctor. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

May declared, "From clear and convincing evidence, I find that a conservatorship of the person is necessary." The judge cited evidence demonstrating Wilson's consent to the arrangement and his incapacity to make health care decisions.

Subsequently, May appointed two trusted associates of Wilson, publicist Jean Sievers and manager LeeAnn Hard, as his conservators. No significant objections were raised during the proceedings.

Among Wilson's seven children, Carnie and Wendy Wilson of the renowned singing group Wilson Phillips, requested through their legal representative that all siblings be included in a group text chain regarding their father's welfare and that they be consulted on medical matters. The judge approved these requests.

During an April 30 hearing, the two daughters had initially sought a delay to resolve certain issues. However, it became evident during the recent hearing that a consensus had been reached.

A doctor's statement accompanying the petition in February detailed Wilson's diagnosis of a "major neurocognitive disorder" and his treatment for dementia. It underscored his inability to adequately attend to his personal needs.

Both Sievers and Hard have maintained a close rapport with Wilson and his spouse over many years. In a court-appointed report, attorney Robert Frank Cipriano affirmed Wilson's acknowledgment of the necessity for the conservatorship, expressing confidence in the judgment of the two appointed women.

Cipriano's report also outlined his visit to Wilson's meticulously maintained residence in Beverly Hills, where he resides with two of his daughters and a longstanding live-in caregiver. Though Wilson relies on assistance from a walker and his caregiver to move around, Cipriano noted his basic awareness of self, time, and place. However, Wilson struggled to recall the names of his children beyond those residing with him, often providing brief and somewhat incomprehensible responses during their interactions.

Despite these challenges, Wilson endorsed the conservatorship, primarily due to his general consent.

Wilson's stable life owes much to Ledbetter, whom he credits with aiding him since their encounter in the mid-1980s and their subsequent marriage in 1995.

Before the petition was lodged, Wilson, along with his seven children, caregiver, and medical advisors, engaged in consultations, as stated in a family declaration. Their aim was to ensure minimal disruption and allow Wilson to maintain connections with family and friends while continuing his ongoing projects.

In California, judges possess the authority to appoint a conservator for an individual, their finances (referred to as the estate), or both, mirroring Britney Spears' case. Spears' situation brought widespread attention, much of it unfavorable, to conservatorships, leading to legislative reforms. In contrast, Wilson's case aligns more closely with the traditional use of conservatorships, often implemented for elderly individuals experiencing irreversible cognitive decline.

Notably, the petition did not seek a conservator for Wilson's estate, as his assets are held in a trust, with Hard serving as trustee.

Wilson, revered for his contributions as a co-founder, producer, arranger, and primary songwriter of the Beach Boys, faced mental health and substance abuse challenges in the 1960s that disrupted his career. His enduring influence on vocal harmony and his achievements led to his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, alongside his bandmates, including brothers Carl and Dennis, and cousin Mike Love.