Luka Doncic Prioritizes Custody Battle Over International Basketball
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic announced on May 12, 2026, that he will skip Slovenia's national team competition this summer to focus on his custody battle with ex-fiancée Anamaria Goltes, according to TMZ. The five-time All-NBA player revealed he has seen his two daughters only twice since September 2025, with multiple court hearings scheduled throughout the summer that require his mandatory attendance under California family court rules.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| What happened | Doncic withdrew from Slovenia national team for summer 2026 |
| When announced | May 12, 2026 |
| Why | Custody hearings scheduled throughout summer |
| Time since last seeing children | Since September 2025 (approximately 8 months) |
| Custody goal | Joint custody of two daughters |
| Last time missed Slovenia | 2020 (first absence in 6 years) |
Why Court Attendance Matters in California Custody Cases
Missing a custody hearing in California can result in default judgments that permanently affect parental rights. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 3044, courts make custody determinations based on the best interests of the child, and a parent's failure to appear demonstrates a lack of commitment that judges weigh heavily. California family courts schedule custody matters months in advance, and continuances are granted only for extraordinary circumstances under Cal. Fam. Code § 245.
California Superior Courts handle approximately 50,000 custody cases annually across the state's 58 counties. Los Angeles County Superior Court, which likely handles this case given Doncic's Lakers contract, processes roughly 8,500 family law matters each year. The court's calendar congestion means rescheduling hearings often pushes cases back 60-90 days, extending an already emotionally difficult process.
When one parent lives internationally or travels extensively for work, California courts apply additional scrutiny under Cal. Fam. Code § 3048, which requires detailed parenting plans addressing long-distance arrangements. Judges want to see that both parents can maintain consistent involvement despite geographic challenges.
How California Courts Evaluate Joint Custody Requests
California favors joint custody arrangements when both parents can demonstrate active involvement in their children's lives. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 3080, there is a presumption that joint custody is in the child's best interest when both parents agree to the arrangement. However, when parents dispute custody, courts examine 12 specific factors outlined in Cal. Fam. Code § 3011.
The factors California judges consider include:
- The health, safety, and welfare of the child
- Any history of abuse by one parent against the child or other parent
- The nature and amount of contact with both parents
- The habitual or continual illegal use of controlled substances or alcohol
- Each parent's ability to encourage sharing of love and affection
For high-profile individuals with demanding careers, courts pay particular attention to which parent can provide stability and routine. Professional athletes face unique challenges because their schedules involve extensive travel, irregular hours during seasons, and off-season obligations like international competitions or training camps.
California law does not penalize parents for having demanding careers, but judges expect detailed proposals for how the non-custodial parent will maintain meaningful contact. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 3020, the Legislature declared that children benefit from frequent and continuing contact with both parents, making it essential for traveling parents to propose creative custody arrangements.
What Extended Separation From Children Means Legally
An eight-month period with only two visits raises significant concerns in California custody proceedings. Courts examine the reasons behind limited contact, distinguishing between situations where one parent restricts access and cases where a parent voluntarily reduces involvement.
Under Cal. Fam. Code § 3040, custody should be granted according to the best interest of the child, with courts considering which arrangement will best provide stability and continuity. When determining the initial custody order, judges look at the existing pattern of care. A parent seeking joint custody after months of minimal contact must demonstrate changed circumstances and a concrete plan for increased involvement.
California courts can order makeup parenting time under Cal. Fam. Code § 3100 when one parent has been wrongfully denied access. However, the parent seeking makeup time must prove the other parent interfered with visitation, not that career obligations prevented regular contact.
For parents in similar situations, documenting every attempt to see children becomes critical evidence. Text messages, emails, and flight records showing efforts to visit can demonstrate commitment even when actual contact was limited by circumstances outside a parent's control.
Practical Takeaways for California Parents Facing Custody Disputes
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Never miss a scheduled custody hearing without court approval, as California judges can enter default orders that severely limit your parental rights under Cal. Fam. Code § 3044
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Document all attempts to see your children, including messages requesting visits, travel bookings, and any responses from the other parent
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If your career requires extensive travel, prepare a detailed parenting plan showing how you will maintain consistent contact through video calls, scheduled visits during breaks, and extended time during off-seasons
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Request a court order establishing interim custody arrangements as early as possible to prevent long separations that can harm your case
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Consider hiring a child custody evaluator under Cal. Fam. Code § 3110 to provide the court with a professional assessment of your parenting capabilities
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Understand that California courts prioritize stability for children, so demonstrating you can provide consistent involvement despite career demands is essential
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lose custody rights by missing court hearings in California?
Yes, missing custody hearings in California can result in default judgments under Cal. Fam. Code § 3044. Courts may award sole custody to the appearing parent and require the absent parent to petition for modification later, a process that typically takes 90-120 days and requires showing changed circumstances.
How does California handle custody when one parent has an international schedule?
California courts require detailed parenting plans for parents with international obligations under Cal. Fam. Code § 3048. Judges evaluate proposals for video contact, extended summer visits, and holiday arrangements. Parents must demonstrate they can maintain meaningful involvement despite travel, with courts typically requiring 30% minimum physical custody time for joint arrangements.
What happens if I haven't seen my children in several months during a custody case?
Extended separation raises concerns about your commitment to parenting under California's best-interest standard in Cal. Fam. Code § 3011. You must document all attempts to see your children and explain any circumstances preventing contact. Courts may order graduated reintroduction periods starting with supervised visits before granting unsupervised custody.
Can professional athletes get joint custody in California?
Yes, professional athletes can obtain joint custody in California, but must present detailed plans addressing their travel schedules. Courts look for arrangements utilizing off-seasons and breaks, reliable childcare during away games, and technology solutions for daily contact. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 3080, joint custody remains presumptively appropriate when parents demonstrate commitment despite demanding careers.
How long do California custody cases typically take to resolve?
California custody disputes typically take 6-12 months to reach final resolution, though contested cases can extend to 18-24 months. Los Angeles County Superior Court schedules initial hearings within 30-45 days of filing, with trial dates set 8-12 months later. Parents can request temporary custody orders under Cal. Fam. Code § 3060 to establish arrangements while the case proceeds.
Finding Legal Support for Your Custody Case
If you are navigating a custody dispute in California, consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help you understand your rights and develop a strategy that protects your relationship with your children.
This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.