Luka Dončić's International Custody Battle: A Legal Clash Over Daughters
NBA superstar Luka Dončić and his longtime partner, Anamaria Goltes, are currently engaged in a high-profile legal dispute centered on the custody of their two young daughters. After years of being regarded as one of the league's most stable couples, the pair has separated, sparking a complex international custody battle that spans from California to Slovenia.
The Breakdown of a Relationship
The relationship reportedly reached a breaking point during the 2025–2026 NBA season. On March 10, 2026, Dončić officially confirmed that he and Goltes had ended their engagement. Sources close to the Dallas Mavericks star indicate that the primary reason for the split was the significant distance between him and his children. Since the start of the season, Luka has reportedly spent only two days with his daughters, highlighting the strain caused by his demanding NBA schedule and international family dynamics.
Legal Complications and Jurisdictional Challenges
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the two children were born in different countries, creating a legal "tug-of-war" between U.S. and Slovenian law:
- Gabriela: Born in November 2023 in the United States.
- Olivia: Born in December 2025 in Slovenia.
In February 2026, Dončić filed an interim injunction in a Slovenian court, a legal move aimed at forcing Anamaria to grant him visitation rights. His legal team argues that the children are being "withheld" from him. Meanwhile, Goltes has filed her own legal petition in California, seeking child support and coverage for her legal fees. According to reports from The Daily Mail, Goltes is currently residing in Slovenia, staying at a luxury mansion owned by Luka's mother, Mirjam Poterbin.
Tensions and Public Fallout
The separation has been marked by significant tension. In December 2025, shortly after the birth of their second daughter, police were reportedly called to a hospital in Kranj, Slovenia, following a heated disagreement between the couple. While no arrests were made, this incident signaled the beginning of their public legal fallout, underscoring the emotional and legal complexities at play.
Focus on Fatherhood and Professional Duties
For Luka Dončić, the focus remains on the courts as he seeks a formal schedule that allows him to be an active father while fulfilling his professional duties in the NBA. The case is ongoing, with courts needing to decide which country has jurisdiction over the children's future, given their different citizenships and residences. This legal battle promises to be a long and difficult road for what was once considered the "Golden Couple" of Slovenia.
