Kevin Costner's soon-to-be ex-wife is seeking higher child support payments, stating that his offered amount of $30,000 per month is insufficient to care for their three children. In court documents filed by Christine Baumgartner, she has requested a monthly payment of $248,000 from Costner, along with additional financial responsibilities for their children's education, extracurricular activities, sports, and healthcare expenses.
Baumgartner explained in her filing that their previous lifestyle involved luxury and extravagance, including private planes, multiple estates, lavish vacations, memberships to exclusive clubs, private chefs, and elite schooling for their children. According to her declaration, Costner earned $19.5 million in 2022 and covered the family's expenses of $11.9 million, resulting in a net income of $7.5 million.
Kevin Costner's split with Christine Baumgartner
The couple was married for almost 20 years and Baumgartner filed for a divorce in May 2023, citing irreconcilable differences. The 49-year-old emphasized that the children should continue to thrive and experience a lifestyle comparable to their father's when they are with her. "My primary goal is to make sure that the children continue to thrive, and when they are with me, to live in a home and lifestyle that is at least somewhat comparable to that of their father."
Baumgartner, a handbag designer, who currently spends her time raising their children and managing their households, projects, and staff, stated that she has no other assets or income except for $50,000 in the bank. Baumgartner mentioned that Costner deposited $1.4 million into an account opened under her name, but expressed concerns about accepting the money due to potential implications on her right to claim additional support.
'Kevin's public attacks on me are harmful for our family'
"I have avoided being public about the reasons for our divorce," Baumgartner said in the June 16 declaration. "I have done this to protect our family's privacy. I did not pressure Kevin to leave the 'Yellowstone' show. Kevin's public attacks on me are harmful for our family. I believe they are meant to pressure me to move out without a temporary child support order in place," she added.
Regarding the way the divorce was revealed to their children, Baumgartner claimed that Costner chose to inform them individually rather than following her suggestion of discussing it together. "After a 24-year relationship, from his hotel room in Las Vegas, Kevin told our three children that we were getting divorced over a 10-minute Zoom call without me present," Baumgartner said, according to her declaration. "I am still confused by his motivation to do this via a very short Zoom session, especially since he was planning on being home five days later. He also could have easily come home from Las Vegas to have that conversation in person," she added.
In response, Costner sought the court's assistance in removing Baumgartner from his $145 million compound in Santa Barbara, referring to a provision in their prenuptial agreement where she agreed to move out in case of a split. Costner also mentioned providing her with $1 million for finding a new home and offering $30,000 a month in child support. However, Baumgartner claimed that Costner was attempting to evict both her and their teenagers from the residence, which Costner denied.
The next court hearing is scheduled for July 2023, during which the judge will determine whether Costner has the legal right to require Baumgartner to vacate his compound.
