Kevin Costner Slams $248K Monthly Child Support Bill, Claims It Includes Wife's Plastic Surgery Expenses
By Favour Adegoke on June 30, 2023 at 11:00 PM EDT
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner are locked in a dispute over child support payments amid their divorce. Baumgartner requested $248,000 per month, which Costner has contested, claiming that it includes expenses for her plastic surgery.
Costner's accountant argues that the current monthly payment of $51,940 is reasonable, as Costner covers all the children's expenses. The actor seeks to protect his estimated $250 million fortune, while Baumgartner argues the funds will help her establish a suitable residence.
Baumgartner recently agreed to leave their shared mansion because Costner complies with court-issued support and fee orders.
Keep on reading to learn more.
Kevin Costner Claims Christine Wants $248k Child Support To Fund Her Plastic Surgery.
Kevin Costner and his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, are currently embroiled in a dispute over child support payments. Baumgartner requested $248,000 per month, which Costner has now contested, alleging that a significant portion of the amount is intended to cover Baumgartner's plastic surgery expenses.
In recent court documents obtained by TMZ, Costner's forensic accountant has outlined various expenses included in the $248,000 request. Notably, over $100,000 is attributed to cosmetic surgery expenses for Baumgartner. Additionally, the documents highlight substantial amounts spent on boutique shopping, sizable ATM withdrawals, and other expenditures unrelated to child support.
People Magazine reported that Baumgartner claimed the requested sum is necessary to maintain their children's accustomed lifestyle. The former couple shares three kids: Cayden, 16; Hayes, 14; and Grace, 13.
Kevin Costner Says $51,940 Is Reasonable For Child Support
The recent court documents obtained by TMZ have shed light on the details of their disagreement. Among the expenses listed by Baumgartner are credit card bills, attorney fees, and construction loans. However, Costner's accountant argues that these are one-time expenses unrelated to child support.
According to the documents, Costner has been covering all children's expenses and intends to continue. He asserts that the current monthly payment of $51,940 is reasonable for child support.
A previous report by People revealed that Costner earned just over $19.5 million in 2022, with the family's expenses totaling $6.6 million for the same year. The estimated net worth of the family stands at $7.5 million.
Kevin Costner Wants To Keep His Wealth From His Estranged Wife
As Costner's divorce battle with Baumgartner intensifies, an inside source revealed to People that the actor is determined to preserve as much of his wealth as possible as his ex-wife seeks a portion of his estimated $250 million fortune. However, Baumgartner's side claims that Costner's net worth surpasses $400 million.
Baumgartner argues that the requested funds will enable her to establish a suitable separate residence, allowing her to move out of their shared Santa Barbara compound, which is approximately $145 million. A source close to Baumgartner explained to the publication, "She wants Kevin to provide what they are used to," which involves extravagant trips on private jets and stays at luxurious hotels.
Christine Baumgartner Says She'll Move Out Of $145 Million Mansion On One Condition.
In court documents obtained by Radar Online, Baumgartner agreed to vacate the $145 million mansion on the condition that Costner complies with any support and fee orders issued by the court during the upcoming hearing on July 12.
Baumgartner's filing reveals her intention to leave the property by August 31 this year, allowing herself 50 days to secure a new residence and settle in. This timeframe exceeds the initial requirement outlined in their prenuptial agreement, which stipulated her departure within 30 days of the divorce filing on May 1.
During the divorce proceedings, Baumgartner voiced concerns about leaving their shared home without a solid financial plan, particularly considering the impact on their children. She believes committing to a rental property without a clear financial strategy would be unfair to their kids, potentially leading to multiple relocations.
According to Radar Online, Baumgartner emphasized her goal of maintaining stability for their children, stating that Costner wants her to "rent [a] place without [a] financial plan in place. However, [I] have our three children to think about. It is contrary to their best interests to commit to a rental that [I] may not be able to afford, particularly as that would ultimately lead to multiple relocations."
She added, "My goal has been and continues to be maintaining as much stability for our children as possible, which includes having the proper resources and plan in place so that [I] can establish [a] stable home for them, rather than making temporary and inconsistent housing arrangements."
