Kevin Costner’s Wife’s Child Support Demands Could Weaken Her Divorce Case

The divorce drama between Yellowstone alum Kevin Costner and his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, continues. Wednesday last week saw the judge ordering Baumgartner to move out of their Santa Barbara home by the end of July. However, she will only agree to move out if she receives six-figure child support payments monthly. Due to this, a legal expert is saying she could weaken her divorce case, after a judge sided with Costner in a major hearing.

Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner divorce drama

Kevin Costner’s estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner may have to pull back on her six-figure child support demands. Doing so is likely the best way to get a resolution in her divorce battle with the Yellowstone actor. In fact, a divorce attorney told Insider that the judge is tending to favor Costner and the couple’s prenup.

During a recent hearing, Costner won the first victory in the case after a judge ruled that Baumgartner must move out of their Santa Barbara property by the end of July. Meanwhile, the judge referred to a clause in Costner and Baumgartner’s prenuptial agreement.

According to an expert, this ruling reveals that the judge may continue to side with Costner over other matters. This is according to Marilyn Chinitz, a divorce attorney and partner at Blank Rome, who has represented actors Michael Douglas and Tom Cruise in the past.

“The judge is basically saying this agreement is enforceable, and you contracted to vacate Kevin Costner’s separate property home, I’m gonna hold you to it,” Chinitz said, adding, “And that’s a really bold move for a judge to make.”

Baumgartner claiming too much child support

According to the premarital agreement, Costner is required to pay $30,000 per month to Christine Baumgartner in child support should they divorce. However, Baumgartner was recently claiming $248,000, which she later dropped to $217,300.

Meanwhile, both Costner and Baumgartner have admitted in court documents that the Yellowstone alum has covered all his children’s expenses. This means that she would have to cover overheads for living expenses, food and travel, which could go to weakening her case.

Chinitz told Insider that she doesn’t know many people who would need more than $200,000 for those expenses, adding that the payments are non-taxable and non-deductible. She added, “That’s just unheard of.”

Back in May when Baumgartner filed for divorce, Costner filed an eviction motion to leave their marital home. To do so, his attorney cited a clause in their prenuptial agreement that gave her 30 days to move out after proceedings started.

Meanwhile, the Dances With Wolves actor’s legal team claimed that Costner paid Baumgartner $1 million for a new house as part of the prenuptial agreement. In fact, according to court documents, he offered to pay the mortgage, insurance and taxes for one year.

However, Baumgartner argues that she needs more money to give their three children the luxurious life to which they are accustomed.

Meanwhile, Chinitz says that in celebrity divorces, where one partner was wealthy at the time of the wedding, the court will consider the lifestyle of the less wealthy partner, but would not replicate it. She added:

There doesn’t have to be equality, there has to be a semblance. It may not be a house on the beach, but it’ll still be a lovely environment.

The celebrity lawyer said it would be wise for Baumgartner to try and settle, and get the best bargain she can.