Ailing Joni Mitchell Raises Visibility of Conservatorship

Joni Mitchell fans were shocked to learn of her collapse in her Bel Air home in early April. The prolific singer/songwriter has released 19 original albums and received eight Grammy Awards over a career that spans more than 50 years. The fans who love listening to iconic songs like Both Sides Now and Free Man in Paris span generations and demographics.

Conflicting reports about Mitchell’s condition

Mitchell was rushed to UCLA Medical Center, and there has been a series of conflicting reports about her health. Is she resting comfortably in the ICU? Conscious or in a coma? Alert or in deteriorating health of some mysterious disease? According to Mitchell’s website, “she is still in the hospital, but she comprehends, she’s alert, and she has her full senses. A full recovery is expected.”

Suffering from the effects of Morgellons disease

Mitchell had spoken of having a rare, mysterious condition called Morgellons disease. Sufferers describe fibers, or filaments, sprouting from their skin, accompanied by itching sensations, chronic fatigue, joint pain, difficulty with memory and thinking, mood changes and some neurological problems. An estimated 13,000 people in the U.S. claim to suffer from Morgellons disease, but the majority of the medical community believes that the disease doesn’t actually exist. Nevertheless, Mitchell has, at least for now, found the disease or its symptoms and side effects to be debilitating. Leslie Morris, a longtime friend of Mitchell’s, released this statement, “At this time she (Mitchell) remains unconscious and unable to make any responses, and is therefore unable to provide for any of her personal needs.”

Morris petitioning the Court to become Conservator of the Person

Morris has filed a petition with the Court seeking to be named Mitchell’s Conservator. She is not seeking control of Mitchell’s estate; rather, she is seeking the appointment because Mitchell does not have any family who can serve in this position. As Conservator, Morris will be responsible for making care decisions for Mitchell once she leaves the hospital.

The most recent reports indicate that Joni Mitchell is getting stronger and will be leaving the hospital soon.

Responsibilities Conservator of the Person

A person can become Conservatorship of the Person, Conservatorship of the Estate, or both. In this case, Morris is petitioning the Court to become Conservator of a Person only. This means she will arrange for the Conservatee’s overall care and protection. She will:

• Make decisions about meals, living arrangements and housekeeping
• Provide for health and personal care
• Provide transportation, including taking the Conservatee to doctor’s appointments

If you are considering a Conservatorship or Power of Attorney for your aging parents, come in to one of our three Bay Area California Document Preparers offices to get started. We help make this easy for you.