Known for his legendary basketball career, Steve Nash achieved immense success on the court. Transitioning into coaching, he faced his share of ups and downs but ultimately found stability in his business ventures. Beyond his professional pursuits, Nash seems to have redirected his focus toward his personal life with his current partner. However, his path hasn’t always been smooth. A few years ago, Nash was entangled in a legal battle with his ex-wife over child support payments. But what caused this conflict?

According to Arizona law, neither is typically required to pay child support when both parents earn comparable incomes. That was the ruling in Nash’s case—at least initially. However, this decision appeared to be contested due to specific circumstances. What those circumstances entailed remains a matter of speculation, but disputes like this often hinge on factors such as custody arrangements, lifestyle expectations for the children, or unforeseen financial complexities.

The legal battle between Steve Nash and Alejandra Amarilla 

The legal battle between former NBA star Steve Nash and his ex-wife, Alejandra Amarilla, gained significant attention due to Nash’s appeal regarding child support payments. Nash argued that Amarilla, a filmmaker by profession, was financially well-off and capable of providing for their children without additional support. He further highlighted that both parents were millionaires, noting that Amarilla had received a substantial divorce settlement. This dispute dates back to 2013.

Under Arizona law, child support is typically awarded to the parent with primary custody—in this case, Amarilla. Despite this, Nash contended that he was already shouldering most of their children’s financial needs. According to a TMZ report, Nash covered more than 90% of their medical, school, and nanny expenses and 82% of other related costs. Child support often encompasses more than just these essentials, including expenses for food, clothing, and extracurricular activities. Nash argued that Amarilla, reportedly earning over $30,000 monthly, was well-equipped to cover these additional costs herself.

The dispute became even more contentious when Amarilla reportedly argued that Nash should contribute more due to his significant earnings. According to reports, Nash earned approximately $1 million more per month than Amarilla. With a net worth of $95 million, amassed through his illustrious basketball career—spanning four teams—and successful business ventures, Nash was financially well-positioned. However, the situation became more complex due to Amarilla’s living arrangements and plans.

Amarilla and the couple’s children were residing in Arizona, where child support laws differ from those in California. At one point, Amarilla considered relocating to Los Angeles, which Nash opposed. According to TMZ, Nash argued that such a move might entitle Amarilla to child support payments under California’s stricter laws, potentially increasing his financial obligations.

How long were Steve Nash and Alejandra Amarilla married?

After five years of marriage, Steve Nash and Alejandra Amarilla shocked fans with the announcement of their divorce. The news came just hours after the birth of their third child, Matteo, in 2010. Nash publicly shared the bittersweet update, saying:

“I am very thankful and excited that we have a new son, Matteo Nash. Alejandra and the baby are doing fine. But this is a bittersweet moment for my wife and I; after five years, we are now in the process of dissolving our marriage,” he stated, as reported by the National Post.

Despite their separation, Nash emphasized their shared commitment to co-parenting their three children. “We remain firmly committed to raising our children in the most positive, nurturing way possible. I want only good things for Ale going forward; right now, I’m focused on ensuring that our children understand how much they’re loved and adored by us as they continue to adjust to these changes,” the former Phoenix Suns player explained.

Nash and Amarilla first met in 2001 when Nash was playing for the Dallas Mavericks. Amarilla, who was born in Paraguay in 1974, had just completed her education in marketing and advertising. Having traveled extensively due to her father’s United Nations career, Amarilla settled in the United States, where the two began dating. In October 2004, Amarilla gave birth to twin daughters, Lola and Bella, and a few months later, the couple tied the knot.

Since their divorce, Nash has moved on, marrying former volleyball player Lilla Frederick in 2016. Frederick, who played for Pepperdine University and Team USA, has two children, Ruby and Luca, with Nash. The couple first appeared together publicly in 2015 and has since shared glimpses of their life on social media, delighting fans with adorable family moments. This saga highlights not only the personal challenges of high-profile divorces but also the legal complexities surrounding child support and co-parenting across state lines.