Attorney: Falk's care is adequate

LOS ANGELES -- A court-appointed attorney who has met with Peter Falk has issued a report stating that he believes the actor does not need to placed under a conservatorship.

In a report filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Clark R. Byam wrote that he sees no need for Falk's daughter to be placed in control of the 81-year-old actor's estate.

His conclusion is based on meetings with Falk, his wife, business manager and others.

Byam also details a visit with Falk in which he described the actor as "well-dressed, clean and composed." Falk is living in a one-story guesthouse that was once an art studio at his Beverly Hills home, Byam's report states.

Byam was appointed by a judge to evaluate Falk's status and represent his interests. His report states that he does not think a doctor's report on Falk's medical condition should be made public.

The actor's daughter, Catherine Falk, petitioned to take over her father's affairs in December, claiming that he has Alzheimer's disease. Phone messages left for Catherine Falk's attorneys were not immediately returned Friday.

A hearing on whether to establish a conservatorship is scheduled for Monday.

Byam's report notes that a probate investigator's report came to a different conclusion and recommends establishing a conservatorship.

The attorney wrote that Catherine Falk should be allowed to visit her father, and that the court may need to intervene to enforce a visitation schedule. Catherine Falk has stated in court filings that she has a stronger relationship with her father than the actor's wife, Shera, has portrayed in her petition.

But Byam states that if a conservatorship is established, Shera Falk should control her husband's affairs. His report states that Shera Falk has not made any substantial withdrawals from the actor's trust and that the couple have ample means to maintain their quality of life.

Falk is overseen by 24-hour caregivers, Byam also noted.

Falk won four Emmys for his starring role in "Columbo." He received Oscar nominations for "Murder, Inc." and "Pocketful of Miracles."