Judge places Beach Boys' Brian Wilson in conservatorship

A judge found Thursday that Beach Boys founder and legendary sonic polymath Brian Wilson should be placed in a court-ordered conservatorship to manage his personal and medical decisions due to what his doctor deems a "major neurocognitive disorder."

At a hearing yesterday, Los Angeles superior court judge Gus T May approved the petition filed earlier this year by Wilson's family and inner circle following the death of his wife, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson, who handled most of his tasks and affairs.

“I find from clear and convincing evidence that a conservatorship of the person is necessary,” May proffered at the brief hearing. He also mentioned evidence that Wilson consents to the arrangement and lacks the capacity to make medical decisions., Variety reports.

Two longtime cohorts, manager-publicist Jean Sievers and business manager LeeAnn Hard, have been appointed as the 81-year-old singer’s conservators.

Two of Wilson’s seven children, Carnie and Wendy Wilson from the singing group Wilson Phillips, asked through their attorney that all the children be added to a group text chain about their father and that all be consulted on medical decisions. The judge granted the stipulations.

A doctor’s declaration filed with the petition in February said that Wilson suffers from a “major neurocognitive disorder," is taking medication for dementia and “is unable to properly provide for his own personal needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter."

Wilson, along with his family, his caregiver and his doctors consulted before the petition was filed, according to a family statement at the time. It offered that the decision ensures “there will be no extreme changes” and that “Brian will be able to enjoy all of his family and friends and continue to work on current projects."

Judges in California can appoint a conservator for a person, their finances – referred to as the estate – or both, as was the case with Britney Spears. Spears’ case shed light – much of it negative – on conservatorships, known in some states as "guardianships," and prompted legislative changes.

Wilson’s case is closer to the typical traditional use of a conservatorship, which are often used for the purpose of aiding an older person in irreversible mental decline.

Long-acclaimed and highly-respected as a co-founder, producer, arranger and chief songwriter of the Beach Boys and a formidable innovator of vocal harmony, Brian Wilson brought the California rock band to stratospheric heights with such iconic albums as Surfin' U.S.A. in 1963 or 1966's Pet Sounds. However, his struggles with mental health and substance abuse issues that upset his career in the late 1960s.