Lakers star Luka Doncic
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Lakers star Luka Doncic celebrates with Anamaria Goltes following his team's 85-80 win over Fenerbahce in the Euroleague Final Four finals basketball match between Real Madrid and Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul at The Stark Arena in Belgrade on May 20, 2018.
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić has escalated his ongoing custody dispute, formally challenging where the case is being handled while accusing his ex-fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, of attempting to gain a financial advantage through the court system.
According to TMZ Sports, Dončić filed legal documents in Los Angeles County seeking to dismiss Goltes’ petition for child support and attorney’s fees, arguing that California is not the proper jurisdiction.
Dončić maintains that neither he nor his two daughters reside in California, with the children currently living in Slovenia. He also said he initiated legal proceedings there earlier this year, addressing both custody and financial support.
Luka Dončić Raises ‘Forum Shopping’ Claim in Custody Dispute
In the filing, Dončić described the California petition as a “clear attempt to forum shop,” a legal term which refers to pursuing a claim in a court expected to treat it most favorably, according to the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School.
He argued that the case should be handled in Slovenia, where the children reside, rather than in California, which is widely known for higher child support awards.
Dončić also stated that he has been covering all expenses for his daughters, reinforcing his position that additional court-ordered support is unnecessary.
“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,” Dončić previously told ESPN.
Social Media Activity Adds New Layer to Luka Dončić Custody Case
The dispute has also extended into public view following recent social media activity from Goltes.
Goltes appeared to “like” a comment referencing the emotional and physical challenges following childbirth, including hormones, stress, insomnia and lack of support. The comment argued that a mother of a 4-month-old child should not be blamed during that period and included language suggesting that even if Dončić was not directly at fault, he would still be viewed as responsible.
Luka Doncic's ex-fiancee Anamaria Goltes social media move
HeavyAnamaria Goltes appeared to like a comment that quickly went viral amid Luka Dončić’s ongoing custody dispute.
Goltes has not publicly commented, but the interaction quickly gained traction online, adding another dimension to an already high-profile situation involving the Los Angeles Lakers star.
Luka Dončić Continues Dominant Stretch for Los Angeles Lakers
Despite the off-court developments, Dončić has continued to perform at an elite level for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 27-year-old guard has delivered some of the most dominant performances of the season, including a 60-point outing that further strengthened his MVP case.
Over his recent stretch, Dončić has averaged 43.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 7.8 assists, including a historic 60-point outing in a 134-126 win over the Miami Heat.
He has acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation but said basketball has provided a sense of stability.
“That’s life, I don’t know what to say,” Dončić said in Slovenian last week. “But that’s my job, so I have to be here… basketball is giving me some kind of peace when I play a game.”
Luka Dončić Custody Case Continues Across Jurisdictions
The case continues to unfold across jurisdictions, with Dončić seeking dismissal of the California filing while proceedings in Slovenia remain active.
The outcome could ultimately determine both custody arrangements and the financial framework moving forward, adding further significance to a dispute that has drawn widespread attention around the Lakers star as he continues a historic stretch while leading the team’s championship push.