“Yellowstone” actor Kevin Costner had “all the power” in his contentious split from his wife, Christine Baumgartner, who allegedly had “no choice” but to agree with a divorce settlement.
After resolving things with Costner, the hairdresser was recently seen out and about, picking up a salsa near her $40,000-per-month rental home in Montecito.
The duo were locked in a four-month-long child support battle, which saw Costner come out victorious as he was ordered to pay Baumgartner $63,209 in child support, much less than what she wanted.
Kevin Costner Had ‘All The Power’ In Divorce From Christine Baumgartner
According to one report, Christine Baumgartner was recently spotted out for the first time since she settled her divorce from Oscar-award-winning actor Kevin Costner.
The hairdresser had on black leggings, a green top, and sneakers as she grabbed $6.99 salsa from a Vons supermarket situated close to her $40k monthly rental home in Montecito.
A source spoke to the news outlet about Baumgartner and Costner’s divorce settlement, saying, “Christine didn’t really have a choice but to settle because Kevin had all the power. Had she continued fighting, she would risk losing everything.”
They continued, “Christine said it is what it is. That she won’t miss going to court and having sleepless nights. She said for the kids it’s a win because no child wants to go through this, let alone in public.”
The insider, who is allegedly a friend of the mother of three, also noted that Baumgartner was the one who “wanted to settle things outside of court in the first place.”
“She never wanted any of this circus. It’s been a living nightmare and now she just wants to move on and start fresh and begin making her new house a home.”
Christine Baumgartner Will Have To Pay Kevin Costner $1M If She Challenges Prenup
According to a TMZ report, the judge who presided over the duo’s case emphasized that the estranged couple’s pre-nuptial agreement would be enforced.
They also noted that Baumgartner would have to pay Costner over $1 million along with attorney fees in order to challenge their prenup in court.
Based on these conditions, Baumgartner agreed to the terms of a three-page settlement letter.
In a joint statement, the duo said of their settlement, “Kevin and Christine Costner have come to an amicable and mutually agreed upon resolution of all issues pertaining to their divorce proceedings.”
Christine Baumgartner Filed For Divorce From Kevin Costner
Costner and Baumgartner were married for 18 years and share three kids: Cayden, 16, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 13. She filed for divorce from the actor in May, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
At the time, a rep for Costner spoke to TMZ about the divorce filings. They said, “It is with great sadness that circumstances beyond his control have transpired, resulting in Mr. Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage action. We ask that his, Christine’s, and their children’s privacy be respected as they navigate this difficult time.”
Shortly after Baumgartner filed for divorce, the “Bodyguard” actor responded to the petition by demanding joint custody. Costner’s filing also stated, “Spousal support to be payable to petitioner under the terms of the parties’ Premarital Agreement.”
During their child support battle, Baumgartner’s lawyer argued that the couple’s children had luxury “in their DNA” and, for that reason, needed to keep up with the lifestyle they were already used to.
In the divorce proceedings, the judge ultimately ruled that Costner would be required to pay $63,209 monthly. This figure falls significantly short of Baumgartner’s initial request of $248,000 per month.
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner’s Relationship Began In 1999
Costner and Baumgartner started dating in 1999, shortly after he and ex-Bridget Rooney ended their relationship. The actor has a 27-year-old son with Rooney named Liam.
Costner and Baumgartner then reportedly split briefly in 2003 but reunited about a year after. After their reunion, the couple married in a private ceremony in Aspen. They welcomed their firstborn, Cayden, four years later in 2007. Hayes was born in 2009, and they had Grace the year after.
Prior to meeting Baumgartner, Costner was married to Cindy Costner, but they ended their relationship in 2004. Their marriage produced three kids: 39-year-old Annie, 36-year-old Lily, and 35-year-old Joe. This brings the actor’s total number of children to 7 from three women.