Anthony Edwards Allegedly Wants To Avoid Custody And Visitation Of 4-Month-Old Daughter

Anthony Edwards has made headlines not just for his on-court performances, but for his legal battle with ex-partner Ayesha Howard over child support and custody of their 4-month-old daughter, Aubri Summers Howard. In a recent court hearing, Edwards filed a motion waiving his right to custody or visitation, signaling that he has no interest in being involved in his child’s life beyond financial obligations.

The Minnesota Timberwolves star has been engaged in a contentious legal dispute with Howard, who filed a paternity lawsuit in California. However, Edwards successfully argued that Georgia, where he claims Howard resides, is the proper jurisdiction for the case. 

The court sided with him, ruling that California lacked the authority to determine child support, shifting the proceedings to Georgia instead. This decision was seen as a legal victory for Edwards, who accused Howard of attempting to manipulate the system to secure a higher financial settlement.

Edwards’ stance on custody has been particularly controversial. According to court documents, he explicitly stated that he does not wish to have custody or visitation with Aubri. A DNA test conducted in December 2024 confirmed he is the father, yet Edwards made it clear that he only wants to resolve financial matters related to the case. 

Howard, on the other hand, has painted a different picture of Edwards’ involvement, or lack thereof. She alleged that upon informing him of her pregnancy, he immediately blocked her on all communication platforms and showed no interest in the well-being of their unborn child. 

In legal filings, she shared text messages allegedly sent by Edwards in which he responded dismissively to the news of her pregnancy. She further claimed that he told her their daughter would be a “fatherless child,” indicating his unwillingness to play any role in raising Aubri.

Howard also accused Edwards of neglecting her emotionally and financially throughout her pregnancy, stating that she received no support from him before or after giving birth. She argued that his decision to waive custody and visitation is consistent with his complete lack of involvement from the start.

With the jurisdiction battle now shifting to Georgia, the next steps in the case will focus on determining the child support arrangements. While Edwards has effectively distanced himself from parental responsibilities, the financial aspect remains unresolved. 

The upcoming hearing on March 20 will determine whether custody and visitation rights will be addressed by the California court or left entirely to Georgia’s legal system.

The case has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some criticizing Edwards for shirking his responsibilities as a father, while others argue that he is simply making a legal decision that best suits his personal circumstances. 

Regardless of public opinion, his decision to forgo custody and visitation rights sets a precedent for how he plans to handle his relationship—or lack thereof—with his daughter moving forward.

As the legal battle continues, the focus now shifts to how the courts will determine financial obligations and whether any further discussions about visitation will take place. Anthony Edwards, one of the NBA’s brightest young stars, remains fully committed to his career on the court, but his off-court decisions are drawing just as much attention as his performances for the Timberwolves.