LOS ANGELES (AP) — Zsa Zsa Gabor's daughter and husband are attempting to settle a dispute over the 95-year-old actress' care and finances outside of court, attorneys told a probate judge Wednesday.
The two sides will meet with a retired probate judge in late June to try to mediate their issues without the need for a lengthy court fight.
Gabor's daughter Constance Francesca Hilton has asked that a conservatorship be created to oversee the actress' medical care and ensure that her assets are being properly protected. The petition is opposed by Frederic von Anhalt, Gabor's husband of 25 years and her caretaker.
Hilton appeared for a brief scheduling hearing Wednesday but did not speak. Attorneys said they would report the results of the mediation at a hearing on July 11.
Hilton and von Anhalt have sparred for years and each has accused the other of financial mismanagement related to Gabor's finances. Hilton asked to be named her mother's conservator in March and expressed concern that Gabor isn't being properly treated.
Von Anhalt has said he is providing the best possible care for his wife, but that expenses are outpacing her income and that he needs to sell her mansion.
A doctor who has evaluated her wrote in a court filing that Gabor's well-being is closely tied to her remaining in a familiar environment.
"Continued access to familiar persons and environment are crucial to her comfort and maintenance of her continued health," Dr. Debra Judelson wrote in a report submitted last month.
"She is aware of her own bedroom and is calm and well cared for by husband with assistance of two aides," Judelson wrote.
Hilton's attorney Kenneth Kossoff noted the difficulty of the case, but said he is hopeful it can be resolved before a long court fight.
"Miracles happen in mediation," Kossoff said.
"Francesca's concern is her mother's health," he said, adding that she also wants to have consistent visits with her mother.
Gabor, a Hungarian-born sexpot of the 1950s and 1960s, has been in declining health and didn't make an appearance at a February birthday party hosted at her mansion.
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Anthony McCartney can be reached at http://twitter.com/mccartneyAP
