Kevin Costner’s Estranged Wife Opens Up About Divorce Proceedings
As the glitz and glamour of Hollywood continue to shine, it is often easy to forget the real stories that unfold behind closed doors. The latest saga to grip the entertainment world is the escalating divorce battle between the esteemed actor Kevin Costner and his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner.
Baumgartner’s Take on the Settlement
Christine Baumgartner seemed ready to move on, stating that she was “willing” to accept a divorce settlement from the “Yellowstone” actor. However, she alleges that the terms were suddenly changed. While Costner’s representatives have labeled Baumgartner’s $855,000 request for attorney fees as “nothing short of outrageous,” Christine’s side insists that she has continuously tried to settle matters out of court. According to them, it is Costner who prefers the legal route, thus increasing court expenses.
“It is difficult to resolve a case when the settlement terms are not honored as presented,” a new brief from Baumgartner’s team notes. This sentiment encapsulates Christine’s disappointment in the shift of settlement terms, hindering her hopes to resolve matters for the sake of the family.
Although Kevin Costner’s representatives remained silent when Fox News Digital sought a comment, the court documents have painted a clear picture.
Unraveling The Financial Tug of War
Baumgartner’s legal claims also highlighted her various attempts to resolve issues outside the court. She has petitioned the court to mandate Costner to cover $575,000 in attorney’s fees and an additional $280,000 for expert costs. These numbers, according to Costner’s side, translate to 1,106 hours of attorney work at a rate of $800 per hour in preparation for the upcoming November trial. This trial will determine if the waiver of spousal support is considered “unconscionable” in the current context.
Costner’s legal team tried to put these demands into perspective, suggesting that such large figures could blur the true value of these amounts. However, Baumgartner’s attorney, John Rydell, points out that the fees are meant to cover both past and future expenses for his client, not just the impending trial. Rydell emphasizes that Kevin, being an extraordinarily high earner, possesses the capability and resources to handle the fees for both parties.
Differing Views on the Trial’s Focus
While Baumgartner’s team intends to focus on the couple’s marital standard of living and Costner’s income during the trial, Costner’s lawyers argue against its necessity. They claim that a substantial portion of the marital standard of living analysis has been completed, mainly due to previous child support discussions.
Yet, the two sides don’t seem to find common ground. As Christine seeks additional financial support, she was recently ordered to pay $14,238 in attorney’s fees for “refusing in bad faith” to respond to inquiries from Costner’s team. However, it’s worth noting that she was awarded $300,000 in legal fees earlier in July and allegedly withdrew $105,000 for more fees directly from Costner’s bank account.
The Beginning of The End
The separation traces back to April 11, with Baumgartner filing for divorce the following month in May. The couple, parents to Caden, Hayes, and Grace, have been in the spotlight ever since.
Recent updates indicate that Judge Thomas Anderle ruled against increasing Costner’s monthly child support payments, setting them at $63,209. Costner will bear the expenses for their children’s healthcare, school fees, and other significant costs.
“Support greater than $63,209 per month is disguised spousal support,” Anderle declared. This statement implies that while child support is settled for now, the spousal support issue remains open-ended, waiting for Christine’s next move.
With each passing day, the saga deepens, shedding light on the complexities of divorce in the limelight. Only time will tell how the story of Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner will conclude.
Source: Foxnews
