Steve Burton wanted his youngest daughter by his side at the Daytime Emmys. The "General Hospital" star says his ex-wife Sheree Gustin would not allow it.

Asking a judge to step in

In newly filed court documents, Burton says Gustin refused to swap custody days so 12-year-old Brooklyn could attend the Oct. 30 ceremony, where he was nominated. He called it a reasonable request for a little scheduling flexibility.

Burton says the refusal is another example of his ex being unwilling to work with him on co-parenting. He is asking the court to give him more parenting time.

The alleged texts

Texts submitted to the court lay out the exchange. "I would like Brook there. Let me know. Thanks. I would pick her up Friday morning and take her back Saturday," Burton allegedly wrote.

Gustin allegedly replied, "That doesn't work." Burton pushed back that it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment and offered to trade days.

"Once in a lifetime lol? I don't want Brooklyn anywhere near Hollywood or that scene," she allegedly responded. She went on to say he puts their daughter on social media and in magazines too often and closed with "Absolutely not."

Burton answered that he was nominated and wanted the girls with him. He added that she was comfortable for years with the lifestyle his career provided and that her own business leans on social media that often features Brooklyn. Gustin does not appear to have replied.

A fight over California and Tennessee

The two have been battling for months over where Brooklyn should live. Burton says Gustin chose to stay in Tennessee after he moved back to California. He says he bought a new home and re-signed with "General Hospital" because she had said she would stay in Orange County.

Gustin argues his cross-country moves show instability and should not earn him more parenting time. She also says he is often busy working. She disputes his claim that she dislikes his new wife, Michelle.

How they got here

Burton filed for divorce in 2022 after 23 years of marriage. The split came after Gustin announced she was pregnant. Burton said at the time that the child was not his.

Burton still walked the red carpet on Emmys night. Red carpet coverage showed him there with Michelle, his oldest daughter Makena and Michelle's daughters.