Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić is challenging a child support petition filed by his ex-fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, arguing that California is not the appropriate jurisdiction for the case. The legal battle centers around the couple’s two daughters, Gabriela, 2, and Olivia, 4 months, and raises questions about residency and legal strategy in high-profile divorce cases.
Goltes filed her petition in California earlier this month, seeking formal child support and coverage of legal fees, according to court documents. Dončić, however, contends that neither he nor his children currently reside in California. This dispute highlights a common tactic in family law – “forum shopping,” where parties attempt to file in a jurisdiction perceived as more favorable to their case. Dončić is actively pursuing a separate legal process in Slovenia, addressing both custody and financial support for his daughters.
Slovenian Proceedings Underway
In February, Dončić initiated legal proceedings in Slovenia, seeking an interim injunction for immediate contact with Gabriela and Olivia, as well as establishing a framework for joint custody and child support. This move predates Goltes’ California filing and underscores Dončić’s preference for resolving the matter within the country where his children currently live. According to Sporting News, Dončić has been attempting to persuade Goltes to relocate to California with their daughters for months, but she returned to Slovenia in May of last year.
Residency and “Forum Shopping” Allegations
Dončić’s legal team, led by attorney Laura Wasser, asserts that Goltes’ California petition is “procedurally defective and legally improper.” They accuse her of attempting to grab advantage of California’s reputation for awarding generous child support payments. The filing specifically alleges a “clear attempt to forum shop,” a legal term referring to the practice of choosing a court expected to be favorable, as defined by the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School. Dončić maintains he is a resident of Texas, despite being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025, and that one of his daughters spent only three months in California last spring, while the other has never visited the state.
On-Court Success Amidst Legal Battles
Despite the ongoing legal complexities, Dončić continues to excel on the basketball court. As of Saturday, March 22, 2026, the Los Angeles Lakers were playing the Orlando Magic, aiming to extend their eight-game winning streak. During this streak, Dončić has averaged an impressive 40.9 points per game, placing him among an elite group of NBA players – Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Michael Jordan, and James Harden – who have achieved a similar scoring average over an eight-game span.
Requests for comment sent to Goltes’ attorney, Evan C. Itzkowitz, have not yet received a response. The outcome of Dončić’s motion to dismiss in California remains uncertain, and the case is likely to draw further attention as it progresses through the legal system. The situation also echoes similar disputes, as reported by Black Sport Online, highlighting the complexities of international custody battles involving high-profile athletes.
The next steps in this case will likely involve a hearing in both the California and Slovenian courts, where arguments regarding jurisdiction and the best interests of the children will be presented. The resolution of this dispute will not only impact Dončić and Goltes but could also set a precedent for similar cases involving international families and differing legal systems.
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