Kevin Costner has reportedly reached a divorce settlement with his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner.
The settlement comes after the former couple, who have been locked in a drawn-out court battle, learned the exact amount to be paid for child support. A judge ruled in Costner’s favor, awarding his wife $63,209 in child support. A far cry from the $161,592 she was demanding to start.
Baumgartner was recently spotted moving her belongings into her $ 40,000-per-month rental in Santa Barbara.
Kevin Costner And Estranged Wife Christine Baumgartner Reach Divorce Settlement
The long and nasty court battle between “Yellowstone” actor Kevin Costner and his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, is reaching an end. A new report revealed that the former couple has agreed to the terms of a divorce settlement after four months of duking it out in court.
As you can imagine, Kevin will see this as a win considering he is paying much less than originally requested. But, the settlement will include huge amounts of cash to be transferred from his accounts to his ex-wife. As for how much, the settlement is still being held in private.
Fox News Digital, reports the settlement terms have yet to be disclosed, but might be in the future.
News of their settlement comes after the duo received the final verdict on his child support payments to Baumgartner after a two-day court hearing in Santa Barbara.
Costner had initially been provisionally ordered to pay $129,755 per month in child support for their three children: Cayden, 16, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 13.
Kevin Costner Wins Child Support Battle Against Christine Baumgartner
On September 8, a judge ultimately ruled in Costner’s favor that he would be required to pay $63,209 monthly.
This figure falls extremely short of Baumgartner’s initial request of $248,000 per month.
During the court hearing, Costner, addressed the situation by voicing his regrets, saying, “Somehow in this unusual world we didn’t make it, and I’m sorry.”
He noted that his primary concern throughout his relationship with Baumgartner was their kids and the possibility of divorce, given his previous experience with a divorce from his first wife, with whom he shares three children. Ultimately, Costner and Baumgartner had three kids and have found themselves amid a divorce.
Kevin Costner Says Christine Baumgartner Inflated The Child Support Amount
The “Molly’s Game” actor claimed that Baumgartner raised the child support amount simply because of his financial capability. Costner argued that the actual amount needed for their children was closer to $51,000 monthly.
“My biggest concern is that the court orders me to pay child support that is above the needs of my children and for the needs of Christine,” he stated at the time.
Costner emphasized in his testimony his wish to pass his properties down to his children and declared, “I don’t hide money from my wife.”
Baumgartner’s previous request of $248,000 per month was slammed by Costner, who alleged that a significant portion of the money was intended to cover Baumgartner’s plastic surgery expenses.
According to TMZ, Costner’s forensic accountant outlined various expenses in the hefty child support request. Per the news outlet, over $100,000 was attributed to cosmetic surgery expenses for Baumgartner. Additionally, the documents highlighted substantial amounts spent on boutique shopping, sizable ATM withdrawals, and other expenditures unrelated to child support.
People Magazine at the time reported that Baumgartner claimed the requested sum was necessary to maintain their children’s accustomed lifestyle.
She Said Her Kids Had Luxury Ingrained ‘In Their DNA’
Baumgartner’s attorney, John Rydell, stressed that the lifestyle the former couple’s children enjoyed has become deeply embedded in their lives, claiming that it’s now “in their DNA.”
While testifying, Baumgartner elaborated on how any decrease in their financial situation would impact their children. She noted their strong connection to the ocean, describing it as their home, and highlighted the surf garage’s proximity was just 50 steps from “toes in the water.”
Baumgartner went further, explaining that it was more than just a place to live; it was an entire experience. She presented evidentiary photos to the court and said, “It’s so much more than this — it’s an experience.”
The former handbag designer emphasized the sense of community their children had created, often referring to the Santa Barbara compound as “ours.” As outlined in the court, the property boasts luxuries such as two guest houses, a volleyball court, a garden, and an infinity pool.
A day after the hearing, Costner was seen enjoying breakfast with his youngest son. The outing makes the Oscar winner’s first public appearance following his victory against Baumgartner in their child support court battle.
Costner’s estranged wife was also recently seen moving all her belongings into her new $40,000-per-month rental home in Santa Barbara.
