Lakers’ Dwight Howard Sued By Mother Of Late Ex-Girlfriend Over Son David

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NBA star Dwight Howard is being sued for visitation by the mother of his late ex-girlfriend Melissa Rios.

According to court documents obtained by The Blast, Edelmira Vega Rios, mother to Melissa, filed a petition for grandparent visitation. Earlier this year, Melissa tragically passed away from epileptic seizures. She died at her home in Calabasas, California. She was a Los Angeles real estate agent and epilepsy advocate.

Dwight has a 6-year-old son David from his relationship with Melissa.

In court documents, Edelmira says since Melissa’s death David has been living with her. She says Melissa and Dwight were never married.

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Edelmira says she believes it would be in the best interest of the minor child if she were granted visitation rights because there has been a significant amount of personal contact between Mira and David before the application for visitation order, Petitioner has been a caretaker of David since birth; and Petitioner has a preexisting relationship with David that has engendered a substantial bond.”

She is asking the court to award her visitation with David including “the academic school year.” Edelmira also wants the court to order Dwight to pay her legal fees.

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Following Melissa’s passing, Dwight spoke about the situation saying, “I’ve had some things happen in my personal life that has been difficult to really handle. My son’s mom, she had passed away a month and a half ago and it’s extremely difficult for me to try to understand how to talk to my son, who’s 6 years old, just about the whole situation.”

One of her last posts on social media was on David’s birthday. She wrote, “Happy Birthday to the love of my life, King David. It’s truly a blessing to be your mother. This has been the best 6 years of my life. I would do it all over again. I love your personality and spirit and how you’re always trying to make people laugh. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Love you mi corazón ? 12/14”