Luka Dončić, the Los Angeles Lakers star, is embroiled in a legal dispute with his ex-fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, over child support for their two daughters. The controversy arises from Goltes’ decision to file for child support in California, despite the family primarily residing in Slovenia.
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In recent court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Dončić has moved to dismiss Goltes’ petition for child support, asserting that it is invalid based on their residency. He claims that both he and Goltes, along with their daughters, Gabriela, aged two, and Olivia, who is three months old, are not residents of California. The 27-year-old athlete maintains that the proper legal proceedings should take place in Slovenia, where he initiated a family law action last month.
According to Dončić, Goltes was aware of the Slovenian case when she chose to file in California. He suggests that her actions were motivated by the potential for more favourable child support arrangements that the state is known for. “Luka has always provided for anything his daughters could need or want and will continue to do so,” a spokesperson for Dončić stated. They emphasised his commitment to ensuring a bright future for his daughters, while also insisting that the dispute should be settled in Slovenia rather than California.
The couple’s engagement ended earlier this month, just three months following the birth of their second child, Olivia. In an interview with ESPN, Dončić shared insight into his decision to end the engagement, stating, “I recently made the tough decision to end my engagement. I love my daughters more than anything.” He elaborated on his struggles to bring his daughters to the United States during the basketball season, which contributed to his difficult choice.
Before Dončić announced the break-up, Goltes had filed her petition in a California court, seeking child support and attorney’s fees. The exact amount of child support has not been disclosed. The couple first became acquainted as children, having met at the age of 12 during a summer in Croatia, and maintained friendships over the years.
Dončić, known for his previous tenure with the Dallas Mavericks and his recent trade to the Lakers in February 2025, proposed to Goltes in July 2023, near the picturesque Bled Castle in Slovenia. Their longstanding relationship was often highlighted by shared memories and mutual friends, as Goltes herself noted during an Instagram Q&A in 2020.
In the lead-up to the birth of Olivia, Dončić made headlines for missing several Lakers games to support Goltes during her labour. He expressed immense joy at the birth of his first child, Gabriela, stating, “First of all, it was the happiest day of my life,” expressing pride in his role as a father.
As the legal battle unfolds, Dončić’s commitment to his daughters remains a central theme in the narrative. He has spoken about his determination to provide them with the best life possible, reflecting the strong emotional ties he holds towards his family.
This ongoing situation illustrates the complexities of child support cases, particularly in transnational contexts. The resolution of the matter will hinge on various factors, including the court’s view on jurisdiction and the best interests of the children involved. As discussions continue, both Dončić and Goltes will undoubtedly navigate these challenging waters with the well-being of their daughters at the forefront of their priorities.