Jay Leno has taken on the role of conservator for his wife, Mavis Leno’s estate, as she battles with dementia.
According to court documents, Leno’s petition for the conservatorship was granted during a hearing on Tuesday. He had filed the petition in Los Angeles court in January.
The court has determined, based on compelling evidence, that a conservatorship of the estate is necessary and suitable for Mavis Leno. It has been established that Mavis is incapable of managing her financial matters and is vulnerable to undue influence. The conservatorship, deemed as the least intrusive option, is essential to safeguard Mavis’s well-being.
Mavis agreed to the decision and did not raise any objections to the conservatorship of the estate, as stated in the filing.
“Judge Brenda J. Penny offered words of support to Leno during the court proceedings, acknowledging that everything he has been doing is commendable. People magazine reported that she empathetically acknowledged the challenging nature of this period.”
During the hearing, Leno mentioned that he is currently engaged in estate planning and carefully reviewing Mavis’ will, according to the magazine.
Jay Leno petitions to be conservator of wife’s estate after dementia diagnosis
Leno petitioned the Los Angeles court in January to become the conservator of Mavis’ estate to guarantee her estate plan is properly executed since she “presently lacks the necessary capacity,” according to court documents. Leno did not seek conservatorship of his wife’s person.
Mavis, 77, “suffers from dementia, a major neurocognitive disorder,” her physician stated in a doctor’s capacity declaration, which also detailed her cognitive impairment.
“Unfortunately, Mavis has been progressively losing capacity and orientation to space and time for several years,” according to the report.
Leno’s filing also indicated that the comedian wishes to manage Mavis’ half of their combined property and assets in a trust that would benefit her, her brother, and Leno. The couple does not have children, and she does not have any siblings.
Mavis Leno ‘sometimes does not know’ husband Jay Leno amid dementia battle
Ostrin disclosed additional details regarding Mavis’ illness in court records filed in California in March, shedding more light on the scope of her dementia fight.
“According to her neurologist, Dr. Hart Cohen (Mavis Leno), she has advanced dementia and sometimes does not know her husband, Jay, nor her date of birth,” according to the lawsuit. “She has a lot of disorientation and will ruminate about her parents, who have both passed, and her mother, who died about 20 years ago.”
Ostrin also stated that he interviewed Mavis in February and determined that “although it was clear she had cognitive impairment, she still has a charming personality and could communicate.” During this period, she “reposed great faith and confidence in” her spouse.
“According to Dr. Cohen, Mr. Leno loves his wife very much and waited to bring this matter up out of respect for her,” Ostrin stated in a court filing. “He said that Mr. Leno was such a nice man and treats (Mavis) like gold.”
Ostrin proposed granting Leno’s conservatorship petition, arguing that the TV host’s actions are “necessary” for his and Mavis’ safety.
