Kevin Costner’s Ex to Pay $14K Sanction after Claims She Wanted More Child Support to Cover Plastic Surgery Costs
- A judge has ordered Kevin Costner’s estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, to pay a $14,000 sanction.
- Previous claims assert that Baumgartner wanted more child support so she could cover plastic surgery expenses.
Christine Baumgartner speaking at the OmniPeace Foundation Presents Rock Rwanda Benefit in Los Angeles, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
As the divorce between Hollywood actor Kevin Costner, 68, and his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, 49, continues, media outlets have reported updates on the case. Following the judge ruling in favor of the “Yellowstone” actor regarding the matter of child support, Baumgartner has made a request for money.
Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner at the 94th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
According to media outlets, the 49-year-old did not agree with the judge’s ruling for Kevin to pay $63,000 a month instead of the $161,592 she requested. As a result, she is now demanding her estranged spouse pay for her lawyer and expert consultation fees.
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner at the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills | Source: Getty Images
After the two-day hearing on the child support matter, both Baumgartner and Kevin had to appear in court on Wednesday to determine who would be responsible for paying the legal fees, which collectively sit at $1.5 million. Baumgartner’s half equates to $855,000. Kevin’s half makes up $664,000, which he has said he will cover on his own.
Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner at the 28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Santa Monica, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
News outlets report that, regarding Baumgartner’s request for $161,592, she had been asking for this amount to help maintain both her and her children’s lifestyles. Thus, when the judge denied the request for an increase, Baumgartner was also asked how she intends to support herself and the three kids, Cayden, Hayes, and Grace Costner, whom she shares with Kevin. The mom of three answered:
“I will look into the next steps I need to take and any schooling I need to do, and I will enter the workforce.”
Kevin, Grace, Hayes, and Cayden Costner with Christine Baumgartner at the premiere for “The Art Of Racing In The Rain” in Los Angeles, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Sources Claimed That Christine Baumgartner Wanted More Child Support Money to Cover Her Personal Care and Plastic Surgery Expenses
When Baumgartner made her very first official request for child support, her soon-to-be ex-husband called the amount she was asking for, $248,000, astonishing. He suggested that Baumgartner had asked for a hefty amount because she wanted to replicate the lifestyle she had become accustomed to as his wife.
Reports also stipulate that Baumgartner hopes to void her and Kevin’s prenuptial spousal support component so she can stand to be awarded alimony.
Christine Baumgartner spotted in Santa Barbara, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The “Dances with Wolves” star divulged that Baumgartner spent significant amounts on herself instead of spending the money on their children. According to Kevin, these purchases included items to do with personal care, such as clothes, spa treatments, and jewelry.
Kevin Costner at the 28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Santa Monica, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
The Hollywood actor’s lawyers said that Baumgartner had included the price of private school tuition for two of their kids despite only one attending a private school. Kevin’s lawyers claimed she sought to cover:
“her own personal, non-child related expenses, such as extensive plastic surgery for herself.”
Kevin, Cayden, Hayes, and Grace Costner with Christine Baumgartner at the premiere for “McFarland, USA” in Hollywood, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, since moving into her new home, which she rents for $40,000 a month, Baumgartner has complained that the residence is not good enough for her and her kids. The house sits on a one-acre plot of land and has four bedrooms, a large swimming pool, and a jacuzzi.
Christine Baumgartner Has Been Ordered to Pay a $14K Sanction
In a new development regarding the estranged couple’s divorce, a judge has ordered Christine Baumgartner to pay a $14,000 sanction. The order was ruled in Santa Barbara on Wednesday after the judge sided with Kevin. “The Bodyguard” star said that Baumgartner had failed to disclose the full details regarding her submission for spousal support.
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner at the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills | Source: Getty Images
Baumgartner’s lawyer, John Rydell, attempted to get the judge to dismiss the sanction. He said his client could not provide a complete account of her bid for spousal support because it would be in violation of her attorney-client privilege.
Christine Baumgartner at the 2nd Annual Gala “Rwanda Rocks” Charity Event in West Hollywood, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
On the matter of who will be responsible for paying the legal fees, the judge postponed the decision until later in the month. However, news outlets report that Baumgartner wants the judge to give her the projected amount to cover the costs.
Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner at the 28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Santa Monica, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Reports also stipulate that Baumgartner hopes to void her and Kevin’s prenuptial spousal support component so she can stand to be awarded alimony.