Why Was Amanda Bynes In A Conservatorship?

On Tuesday, March 22, Amanda Bynes was freed from her nine year conservatorship.

In 2013 the former Nickelodeon star, who is now 35 years old was placed under conservatorship, it has now been terminated.

The news comes as conservatorships are gaining more attention in the media, with Britney Spears being freed from her controversial 13 year conservatorship in November last year.

A conservatorship is a court granted guardianship for individuals unable to make their own decisions. It is typically reserved for dementia patients and those suffering from severe mental health issues.

Bynes was reportedly placed under conservatorship, in the care of her mother Lynn Organ, in 2013.

She was placed under the conservatorship after she was said to be struggling with her mental health and underwent court-ordered psychiatric care.

While living under the conservatorship, Bynes assured that she has been sober for several years and gained a degree from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

Now, nearly a decade since the conservatorship was set in place, Bynes filed to have it removed.

At a Los Angeles court, Judge Roger L. Lund made the tentative ruling that Bynes' conservatorship would be brought to an end.

The judge wrote that the 'Petitioner has provided facts that the conservatorship is no longer needed'.

The judge continued to say: "The court determines that the conservatorship is no longer required and that grounds for establishment of a conservatorship of the person no longer exist," as per the Los Angeles Times.

With her conservatorship now ending, Bynes will be able to have autonomy over her own decisions, with regards to her personal life and finances.

Her lawyer David A. Esquibias shared a statement from Bynes with People which read: "Following today's decision by the judge to terminate my conservatorship, I would like to thank my fans for their love and well wishes during this time.

"I would also like to thank my lawyer and my parents for their support over the last nine years."

The star added that she intends to prioritise her well-being in the 'next chapter' of her life and was excited about all of her upcoming endeavours, which is said to include a fragrance line.

Bynes got engaged to her fiancé Paul Michael in February 2020 and said that she was 'excited' at the prospect of her freedom, as per Variety.

If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.