Lawyer Recommends Conservatorship As Jay Leno’s Wife’s Dementia Worsens

Early this year, Jay Leno filed for conservatorship for his 77-year-old wife, Mavis Leno, as he revealed that she had been diagnosed with advanced dementia. According to the legal documents made available to the press, his petition aimed to set up a living trust that would cater to her when he died.

In a new development, Mavis’ court-appointed counsel has filed a fresh petition related to the conservatorship. This filing reflects a recent decline in her health, prompting further legal action to address her evolving needs.

Jay Leno’s wife does not recognize him amid dementia battle

In the legal document filed by Mavis’ court-appointed counsel, Ronald Ostrin, he explained that Mavis’ dementia has gotten so severe that she sometimes cannot even recognize her husband, nor remember her date of birth.

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He also noted that according to a consultation with her neurologist, Dr. Hart Cohen, Mavis, who has been married to her husband Jay since 1980, experiences disorientation, which makes her think about her parents, both of whom died a long time ago.

Ostrin articulated that based on his discussion with Mavis, she expressed confidence in her husband’s capabilities, citing her strong belief in his abilities and her willingness to entrust him with the responsibility of managing the estate on her behalf. “Ms. Leno was a delightful person, and although it was clear she had cognitive impairment, she still has a charming personality and could communicate,” he noted. “She expressed a desire to vote and told me a little about her philanthropic work. She reposed great faith and confidence in Mr. Leno and relied on him for her protection and guidance.”

“One question the Court may have is why not seek a conservatorship over her person. I asked of this with Dr. Hart Cohen and [Leno’s] attorneys. Dr. Cohen stated that Mavis is already being prescribed medications for the care and treatment of major neurocognitive disorders (including dementia) and that those can continue to be prescribed without an order or personal conservatorship at this time,” Ostrin added. “The purpose of doing the substituted judgment estate planning would be to prepare an estate plan, and if something happened to Mr. Leno, a petition for conservatorship of the person would promptly be filed according to the plans to be under the estate planning to have a conservator of the person be appointed promptly.”