Kevin Costner’s estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, has expressed disappointment over the court’s decision to reduce her child support payments to $63,000 per month. She vowed to continue the legal battle and will appear in court to determine who will cover their combined legal fees of $1.5 million.
In a recent hearing, Baumgartner had requested an increase in her monthly child support from the $129,000 she had been receiving to $161,000. However, the judge reduced it to $63,000, leaving her stunned.
Baumgartner’s friend stated that she believes the decision is unfair and that Kevin Costner’s portrayal of her as a gold-digger is untrue. She argues that she already has a full-time job as a mother to their three children.
The legal battle between Baumgartner and Costner began when she filed for divorce in May. It has primarily revolved around their children’s living arrangements and the validity of their prenuptial agreement.
A trial and ruling on the prenuptial agreement and potential alimony payments are scheduled for November. Baumgartner is also seeking Costner’s financial contribution for her legal bills in that case.
The recent court hearing focused on Baumgartner’s “reasonable need” for child support. Her lawyer argued that she needed the substantial monthly payment to rent a home in the same area as Costner, where rental values can be high.
Costner, on the other hand, stated that he wouldn’t swap houses with Baumgartner because his home is where he raised his children. He also expressed uncertainty about his cash flow after the end of the TV series “Yellowstone.”
The court also heard about Baumgartner’s spending habits, including an $18,000-a-month clothing bill and a $3,500-a-month beauty expense. She admitted to receiving a $20,000 cash gift from a family friend, which she later shared with her mother.
The legal battle between Baumgartner and Costner continues to unfold in court.