Gleb Savchenko & Elena Samodanova smiling

'DWTS' Custody Battle: Gleb Savchenko's Ex, Elena Samodanova, Wants Primary Custody of Kids

Home / Stars / 'DWTS' Custody Battle: Gleb Savchenko's Ex, Elena Samodanova, Wants Primary Custody of Kids

By Fiyin Olowokandi on December 19, 2021 at 4:20 AM PST

The legal battle between "Dancing with the Stars" pro Gleb Savchenko and his ex-wife, Elena Samodanova, has yet to end despite their divorce finalization in 2020.

The two who got married in 2006 are currently on the case regarding custody of their two daughters, 11-year-old Olivia and 4-year-old Zlata.

Amid claims of parental neglect due to a busy schedule and another request from the dancer's wife, another round is now in play for the former couple.

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Gleb Savchenko Continues Legal Battle With Ex Over Children's Custody

Samodanova has requested primary physical custody of Olivia and Zlata and child support fees as well, according to PEOPLE.

The mother-of-two credited her requests to the "Dancing With The Stars" pro's hectic schedule, making him travel frequently. 

These constant trips allegedly prevent Savchenko from keeping to the stated custody/visitation schedule and their previous 50/50 split agreement. 

The mother-of-two asked the court to grant her full custody, which alternates on weekends and "first right of refusal when [Savchenko] is unable to exercise his custodial time."

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Gleb Savchenko & Elena Samodanova smiling
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Samodanova proposed that her ex see his kids twice on weekdays as the minor children are safer with their mother than a babysitter.

The 37-year-old accused her ex of finding it impossible to assist the kids with homework, getting to school, and going to bed at a proper time.

Samodanova noted Olivia had difficulty with schoolwork under her father's care and was also left home alone at least once.

The mother-of-two pointed out it would be best to take the kids while Savchenko focuses on his several 2022 work commitments, including filming "DWTS," 

Samodanova also requested child support and attorney fees of $10,000 from her former beau due to their current financial statuses.

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The "DWTS" Pro And Elena Samodanova Were To Be Amicable After Divorce

Savchenko got candid with US Weekly about nearing the end of his divorce case with Samodanova and ensuring the divorce has minimal impact on his children.

In an October interview, the choreographer told the outlet that relationships do not work out sometimes, and his case is one of those times.

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Gleb Savchenko & Elena Samodanova smiling
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Savchenko expressed that he and the mother of his children agreed to "end the marriage with grace and be amicable to one another."

The father-of-two said they are committed to protecting their girls from their differences and supporting their relationships while putting the kids first.

The outlet shared that court documents showed the former spouses finalized their divorce on October 22. At the time, they had joint custody and no spousal support fees being paid.

How The Dance Pro Met His New GirlfriendĀ 

Savchenko and his new beau Elena Belle went on an intimate trip to Miami and have bonded over their many similar interests, US Weekly reported.

An insider revealed to the outlet that the lovebirds clicked through their love of fitness, wellness, and the fact that they are single parents.

In February 2020, Belle lost her husband with whom she shared a daughter Luna. The source detailed that the new couple enjoys getting to know each other and spending time together.

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