‘Justice Prevailed’: Inside Kevin Costner’s Battle with Ex Who Cried Asking For $248K after ‘Robbing’ Him

On May 1, 2023, Christine Baumgartner filed for divorce from the famous actor Kevin Costner after being married to him for 18 years. In July 2023, the “Yellowstone” star revealed that the former handbag designer abuses his money.

She allegedly withdrew money with credit cards from the staff that ran their family home and bought personal items. The actor’s lawyer believes there is evidence that it was the celebrity’s wife’s plan long before the divorce filing.

On July 13, 2023, Costner filed documents claiming during the last months before and after their separation, his wife showed “a disturbing propensity” to take his property without his consent or knowledge. The actor also alleged that months before their split, the mother of three bought an expensive car.

The star said it was an uncanny move as they’ve always leased cars instead of buying them. The former couple’s prenuptial agreement allegedly said Baumgartner could take her personal vehicle with her if she divorced.

The former designer also reportedly has a list of items she plans on taking along, like artwork, pots, and pans. However, Costner’s attorney, who said his wife is “robbing him blind,” noted how his client’s wife has lots of money to buy the stuff she needs with the $1.5 million lump sum the actor has already paid her.

The new documents allegedly showed how the lawyer asked Baumgartner to agree not to take items from the house before leaving, but she refused to sign. In June 2023, court documents revealed that the couple’s family accountant gave her the 2022 income and expense report to assist with her goal of getting Costner to pay $248,000 monthly in child support.

The actor’s estranged wife reportedly said she realizes their lifestyle is “extraordinary” and appreciates their blessings to live that way. She feels it’s crucial to provide a warm and comfortable home for their children and to teach them gratitude and family values.

Baumgartner shared she understood that her husband’s 2022 child support will be $152,681 monthly according to the guideline. However, to maintain their offspring’s lifestyle, the actor must pay $332,264 monthly, which is 60% of what their family spent.

The former designer explained that the amount will still be less than needed to give the children the lifestyle they are used to. Therefore, she is asking the court to make Costner pay $248,000 monthly. During a recent court appearance, Baumgartner broke down while testifying.

What Brought Christine to Tears While in Court?

On August 31, 2023, Costner and Baumgartner attended a Santa Barbara court for a hearing about child support. At one point, the latter was asked about the actor’s Aspen, Colorado ranch, where their children vacationed.

A witness claimed the star’s estranged wife started tearing up when asked about it and even reached for a tissue. She became so emotional she paused for 30 seconds before the judge demanded a five-minute break.

Another person celebrated Costner’s win on Facebook…

The source claimed Costner responded by sipping water and looking at his wife without averting his gaze. During the hearing, Baumgartner’s attorney, John Rydell, revealed that living luxuriously is “in their [the children’s] DNA at this point.”

He then mentioned the family’s homes and the sports they enjoyed. Baumgartner became emotional while showing photo evidence, explaining to the court, “It’s so much more than this — it’s an experience,” but things didn’t go her way.

How Did Costner Win the Nasty Child Support Battle with His Ex?

Speaking to the press after the judge ruled in his favor in the child support matter, Costner noted how there is “no winner” between him and his wife since they’d been together for so long. He felt life unraveled quickly; one minute, you are at the top, and the next, you’re vulnerable.

The actor is confident he and Baumgartner can figure out co-parenting because she is an “incredible mom.” It was ruled that his monthly child support payments will not increase, and the new amount will be $63,209 monthly.

The celebrity admits to having responsibilities he can’t avoid, but what he wants to do is figure out how to spend more time with the children to help them deal with the divorce, with one fan replying to an article congratulating him on his win saying:

“Good for Kevin!!”

Another person celebrated Costner’s win on Facebook, noting how “glad” they were that the “Gold Digger” didn’t get what she was trying to get. A Daily Mail reader felt it must’ve been difficult for Baumgartner to “recognize her own stupidity.”

The person felt the Costner’s ex gave up living lavishly for nothing as he wasn’t cheating but working to keep her and their children’s lifestyle the same, while someone else wrote, “I am grateful justice prevailed for him.”