The developments following Kevin Costner and his estranged wife Christine Baumgartner’s divorce seem to be taking several messy turns. The news broke a few months back when reports began surfacing of the couple’s split after almost 19 years of marriage. Baumgartner filed for divorce on May 1st. The cause behind this decision was cited as “irreconcilable differences.”
Previous reports shed light on Baumgartner not moving out of the $145 million compound owned by Costner in Carpinteria, California after filing for divorce on May 1, even though a stipulation in their prenuptial agreement required her to leave within 30 days. Negotiations surrounding child support payments resulted in an increased bitterness between the two parties.
As per the latest updates, it is being said that the Yellowstone star’s estranged wife is putting forth another request that the actor is actively attempting to avoid.
Kevin Costner And Christine Baumgartner’s Bitter Divorce Battle
Costner and Baumgartner, who tied the knot back in 2004, share three teenage children together. In June, reports detailed the designer having requested monthly payments of $248,000 in child support from the actor. Court documents seemed to suggest that this amount was deemed “less than the amount needed to maintain the children in their accustomed lifestyle” by the Yellowstone alum’s estranged wife. Baumgartner also requested that her ex-partner fully cover the expenses for the children’s private school tuition, extracurricular activities, and healthcare.
This request was however slammed by Costner for its “highly inflated” nature. In July 2023, the dispute was settled with a tentative ruling that required the 68-year-old actor to provide $129k in monthly child support for the foreseeable future. Looking at it from a yearly standpoint, the child support sum adds up to around $1.5 million for Kevin Costner.
In the same month, during a hearing on July 5, a ruling was made that Baumgartner must leave their $145 million Santa Barbara home by July 31. Much recently, the designer was reportedly observed moving out of the family house, right before the deadline set by the court.
Following these rancorous occurrences, a new development has taken place in Costner and Baumgartner’s divorce battle.
Kevin Costner’s Estranged Wife Has A New Demand For The Actor
As per RadarOnline.com, Christine Baumgartner is requesting her husband’s physical attendance in court for an important evidence hearing in their child support dispute. This demand, however, is presumably being avoided by the Dances with Wolves star, whose calendar indicates a booked and busy time ahead. Apparently, Costner’s ex-wife has implored Judge Thomas P. Anderle to ensure the actor’s presence in the hearing. She has also demanded the personal attendance of “all witnesses.”
Alas, Kevin Costner’s legal team is contending against the request by emphasizing the actor’s busy schedule. Court documents additionally detailed the following:
“His work commitment may or may not allow him to be present, but he will make every effort within his powers to do so,”
The actor has been busy working on Horizon: An American Saga—an upcoming epic Western film that not only stars Costner, but has been directed, produced, and co-written by the talent. Under such professional obligations, the actor’s potential absence is preventing Baumgartner’s demands from being met.
According to the RadarOnline report, the upcoming evidence hearing involving the forensic accountants of both parties is set to establish the Hollywood actor’s annual earnings in the dispute over his $400 million fortune. The article additionally mentions that the judge has subsequently granted Costner permission to be present in the hearing through Zoom.
The noticeable strain arising from the events of this divorce battle is palpable. With the couple’s legal dispute making headlines every day, only time will reveal the further developments that lie ahead.