Kevin Costner Challenges Estranged Wife’s Request for Legal Fees
In the recent courtroom drama unfolding in Hollywood, Oscar-winning actor Kevin Costner is vehemently opposing a hefty claim from his estranged wife, Christine Costner. The 49-year-old has requested that the actor pay a staggering $885,000 toward her legal fees, a figure that Kevin, and his legal team, have deemed as “unreasonable” and “outrageous.”
According to court documents filed in the Superior Court of California, Christine has already garnered “$405,000 in fees, including an award of $300,000 in legal fees on July 12.” This sum includes both attorney’s fees and forensic accounting fees. Additionally, she reportedly extracted “$105,000 for fees from Kevin’s accounts.”
“Uncooperative Conduct” by Christine?
The documents shed light on a possible reason behind the escalating costs. Kevin Costner’s filing suggests that the Yellowstone actor has faced rising attorney fees due to Christine’s purported “uncooperative conduct.” Kevin alleges that he’s had to make multiple court visits to seek relief. The filing boldly states, “Christine’s actions increased the fees incurred by not only Christine, but also Kevin.”
In essence, the crux of Kevin’s argument is clear: he shouldn’t be burdened with additional costs due to the conduct of his estranged wife. He asserts, “To use these fees as the basis for an argument that Christine needs more to level the playing field is nonsensical.”
The Prenuptial Agreement Dispute
The court’s spotlight last week was on the duo’s prenuptial agreement (PMA). Judge Thomas Anderle passed a ruling which obligated Christine to take on over $14,000 of Kevin’s legal costs. This decision came after Kevin sought clarity on Christine’s understanding of their PMA. The ruling emphasized that the ongoing case is of significant consequence.
To highlight the severity of the matter, a request for order documented that Christine “refuses to make known all of her contentions regarding the validity of the PMA.” Kevin’s lawyers made it plain, “Discovery is not a game of chicken. Kevin should never have been required to spend money to file a motion.”
Statements and Child Support
The narrative took another turn with a representative for Kevin remarking on the unfortunate circumstances surrounding their divorce, stating, “It is with great sadness that circumstances beyond his control have transpired which have resulted in Mr. Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage action.”
Recent child support discussions saw Kevin being ordered to pay a monthly sum of $63,209 to Christine, aligning with his proposed amount. This followed Christine and her legal team’s push for a sum of $175,057, an escalation from the $129,755 previously settled upon.
Kevin voiced his worries regarding the child support amount during his court appearance, expressing, “My biggest concern is that the court orders me to pay child support that is above the needs of my children and for the needs of Christine.”
What’s Next?
The legal journey for the former couple is far from its conclusion. They are slated to reappear in court this December, where they’ll confront the validity of their premarital agreement, a matter that seems to be the centerpiece of their legal tussle. The world watches, waiting for the next act in this Hollywood legal drama.
Source: People
