“Yellowstone” actor Kevin Costner‘s estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, has reportedly relocated to her $40,000-per-month Santa Barbara rental after losing her child support battle against the actor. She has expressed dissatisfaction with the rental despite its amenities.
A court hearing ensued, debating the child support amount, and Baumgartner emphasized the importance of her children’s lifestyle consistency. Still, the ruling cut her support from $129,000 to $63,000, leading her to describe it as “a complete joke.”
She has requested $885,000 for legal fees in the ongoing divorce, including $575,000 for her lawyers and $280,000 for a forensic accountant.
Keep on reading to learn more.
Christine Baumgartner Moves Into Her Rental Home
Christine Baumgartner, Kevin Costner’s estranged wife, has reportedly moved her belongings to her $40,000-a-month Santa Barbara rental. The move follows her divorce filing in May from Costner, which has been riddled with a lengthy court battle between the pair.
The mother of three left their $145 million California compound, but, according to the Daily Mail, she expressed dissatisfaction with the new residence, despite its spaciousness, an acre of land, a jacuzzi, and proximity to a wooded hiking trail, claiming it wasn’t ideal for her family.
In a recent court hearing attended by the estranged couple, Baumgartner emphasized the superiority of Costner’s beachfront mansion compared to her $40,000-a-month rental.
Despite her rental having four bedrooms, beautiful gardens, custom interiors, a swimming pool, and a pool house, she pointed out that guests still needed to go to the main house to shower.
The designer insisted on maintaining a similar lifestyle for her children as they had before the separation, explaining that in the rental, her two sons would share one bathroom while her daughter would share hers “with the house.”
According to Brett Ward, a family law expert from Blank Rome’s Matrimonial and Family Law Practice Group who spoke to Daily Mail, the term “comparable lifestyle” is ultimately defined by the judge in each case.
Christine Baumgartner Describes Child Support Cut As ‘A Complete Joke’
Following the court ruling which slashed Baumgartner’s child support payment to be received from $129,000 to $63,000, an inside source revealed to the publication that “Christine is shocked. Kevin looked shocked. Everyone looked shocked.” The insider shared that the ruling left Baumgartner not just disappointed, but she described it as “a complete joke.”
In a two-day court hearing, both ex-spouses presented their perspectives on what they considered a fair amount for child support and discussed their future plans.
While testifying in a Santa Barbara courtroom, Baumgartner disclosed her intentions to further her education and seek employment. According to People magazine, she expressed her commitment to taking necessary steps as she navigates life after the split, stating, “will look into the steps I need to take and any schooling I need to do, and I will enter the workforce.”
Kevin Costner Enjoys Breakfast Date With His Youngest Son
A day after the hearing, “The Yellowstone” actor was seen out in Santa Barbara, California, enjoying breakfast with his youngest son. The trip marked the Oscar Award winner’s first public appearance after his victory in the contentious child support court battle with Baumgartner.
Costner looked sharp in a comfortable set of clothes for the outing, including a long-sleeve blue shirt with a zip front, a faded pair of jeans, and white sneakers. His blonde hair fluttered in the gentle breeze as he shielded his eyes with his dark sunglasses.
On the other hand, the actor’s son, Hayes, 14, kept it casual in a graphic white T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. Per the Daily Mail, Costner and his son seemed to have had a full meal at a restaurant before heading out.
Christine Baumgartner Requests For $885,000 From Kevin Costner To Cover Legal Fees
After the reduction in child support, Baumgartner has now requested $885,000 to cover legal expenses in the ongoing divorce proceedings with her ex.
This new development arises as they prepare for their upcoming trial, which revolves around the enforceability of their 18-year-old prenuptial agreement.
Within this amount, she seeks $575,000 to compensate her lawyers, John Rydell and Susan Wiesner, along with an additional $280,000 for her forensic accountant, Jill Bombino. It brings the total request to a staggering $1.26 million. Notably, documents show that Baumgartner has already received $405,000 in legal and accounting fees earlier this year.
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