Elena Samodanova, the ex-wife of Dancing with the Stars professional Gleb Savchenko, has filed a request for primary custody of their two daughters, alleging that Savchenko has 'refused' to adjust his schedule to comply with their current custody agreement.
In court documents obtained by People, Samodanova claims that due to Savchenko's 'long work hours and travels' in 2022, he is unable to follow the original parenting plan, which called for alternating care every five days. She stated, 'I agreed to alternate parenting time every five days. Soon after the judgment was signed, [Savchenko]'s schedule changed and he was not available to take care of our daughters.'
The couple, who share daughters Olivia, 11, and Zlata, four, finalised their divorce in October 2021 after 14 years of marriage. Samodanova had previously accused Savchenko of 'ongoing infidelity', which he denied. The divorce settlement included joint custody and Samodanova retaining their Los Angeles dance studio, Pro Dance L.A., along with monthly payments from Savchenko.
Samodanova has proposed that when Savchenko is in Los Angeles for more than one day, the children should stay with her on weekdays and alternating weekends. A hearing is scheduled for March 21. Savchenko and his legal team have not yet commented on the matter.
