Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić has asked a judge to dismiss his ex-fiancée’s petition for child support and attorneys’ fees, arguing she filed the documents in the wrong country.
In court papers filed Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Dončić contends that neither he nor the couple’s two daughters — Gabriela, 2, and Olivia, 4 months — are California residents. The children live in Slovenia with their mother, Anamaria Goltes, the documents state.
Dončić’s filing, prepared by attorney Laura Wasser, describes Goltes’ California petition — submitted earlier this month — as “procedurally defective and legally improper.” It accuses her of “a clear attempt to forum shop and avail herself of the generous amounts of child support for which California is well-known.”
The Slovenian-born NBA player notes that he filed his own petition in Slovenia in February addressing custody and child support. He says he has tried for months to persuade Goltes to relocate to California with the children, but she moved back to Slovenia last May. That distance contributed to the end of their engagement, according to prior reports.
Dončić states in the filing that he already covers all expenses for the girls. He signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Lakers last year.
After the breakup, Dončić told ESPN: “Everything I do is for my daughters’ happiness and I will always fight to be with them and give them the best life I can.”
It was not immediately clear whether Goltes would respond to the filing or when a hearing might be scheduled. A representative for her could not be reached for comment.
The case highlights ongoing custody and support disputes between the former couple, whose split became public earlier this month. A Los Angeles County judge will decide whether to dismiss the California petition.
