Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner SHOCK divorce settlement: Bitter legal war meets surprising end with prenup enforced – and estranged wife, 49, would have to repay Yellowstone actor, 68, $1MILLION and his lawyer fees if challenged
- The 68-year-old actor and his 49-year-old wife of nearly 20 years have been embroiled in a months-long legal war which has met a surprise end
- Kevin’s legal team – which was headed by ‘disso queen’ Laura Wasser – had won a series of legal battles leading up to the settlement
- Wasser had recently submitted paperwork to the court saying Kevin’s monthly obligation should be $63K-a-month and Judge Thomas Anderle sided with Kevin
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner’s very bitter divorce has met a shocking end as the two sides have settled with the prenup enforced.
The 68-year-old actor and his 49-year-old wife of nearly 20 years have been embroiled in a months-long legal war which has met a surprise end after DailyMail.com reported that Baumgartner had received more than $400,000 to pay the costs of the contentious courtroom battle.
According to TMZ, if Christine challenges the judgment ‘she would have to repay Kevin more than $1 million and pay his attorney’s fees for the prenup fight.’
Upon hearing this, the mother-of-three ‘agreed over the weekend to the terms of a 3-page settlement letter.’
DailyMail.com has reached out to Costner’s representatives for Costner.
Kevin’s legal team – which was headed by ‘disso queen’ Laura Wasser – had won a series of legal battles leading up to the settlement.
It’s over! Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner ‘s very bitter divorce has met a shocking end as the two sides have settled with the prenup enforced according to TMZ; the former couple are seen in 2206
Wasser had recently submitted paperwork to the court saying Kevin’s monthly obligation should be $63K-a-month according to TMZ.
However, Baumgartner wanted $248K-a-month and after a two-day evidentiary hearing in Santa Barbara earlier this month the Judge Thomas Anderle ultimately sided with Kevin.
Last week DailyMail.com reported that Baumgartner had already received more than $400,000 to pay the costs of her legal battle with the actor.
The mom-of-three was locked in a court fight with her ex over a fresh award of $855,000 to cover fees for the former couple’s upcoming trial over whether the prenuptial agreement they signed 18 years ago can still be enforced.
Baumgartner, 49, has asked for $575,000 to pay her lawyers John Rydell and Susan Wiesner and another $280,000 for her forensic accountant Jill Bombino – which would take the combined total to an eye-watering total of $1.26million.
But documents obtained by DailyMail.com reveal Baumgartner has so far already received $405,000 in legal, attorney, and ‘forensic accounting fees’ – disbursed in July this year.
In an excoriating legal filing lodged in court in Santa Barbara, California, on Tuesday, Costner’s attorney Laura Wasser hit back at the ‘whopping’ request – describing the fees as ‘inflated’ and saying that it would be ‘unconscionable’ for the Yellowstone star to be made to pay.
‘Disso queen’ Wasser also accused Baumgartner of being ‘unreasonable’ and said her constant legal maneuvers – the majority of which have failed – have inflated costs for both parties.
Court filings obtained by DailyMail.com revealed last week Baumgartner – pictured last month – has so far already received $405,000 in legal, attorney, and ‘forensic accounting fees’
Estranged husband Kevin Costner’s attorney Laura Wasser – seen arriving at court with the actor earlier this month – hit back at the request – describing the fees as ‘inflated’ and ‘outrageous’
Baumgartner, 49, is hoping to void the spousal support section of their prenuptial agreement at trial in November so she can be awarded alimony
Last week, Baumgartner found herself on the hook for a payment of $14,000 after Judge Thomas Anderle decided to sanction her for failing to give proper answers to questions from Costner’s legal team.
The setback came shortly after Judge Anderle halved Baumgartner’s monthly child support payments – a decision she later described as a ‘joke’ according to a pal.
The friend told DailyMail.com: ‘Christine is shocked. She said even Kevin looked shocked. Everyone looked shocked.
‘To say Christine is disappointed is an understatement. She described the ruling is a complete joke.’
Speaking to DailyMail.com, Brett Ward, a partner at New York legal firm Blank Rome and an expert in family law, said a party requesting fees isn’t unusual, although the potential size of the award is.
He also said judges tend to take a dim view of what they see as excessive requests and generally want to prevent drawn out cases like the Costner divorce is becoming.
He said: ‘There is certainly a legal basis for [Baumgartner’s] request. However, a judge will examine the reasonableness of the fees requested.
‘Judges generally do not want to encourage additional litigation by providing one side with a war chest of future legal fees.
In an excoriating legal filing lodged in court in Santa Barbara, California , on Tuesday, Costner’s attorney Laura Wasser hit back at the ‘whopping’ request
Legal woes: Last week, Baumgartner found herself on the hook for a payment of $14,000 after Judge Thomas Anderle decided to sanction her for failing to give proper answers to questions from Costner’s legal team; seen in 2015
‘Courts generally balance the less wealthy party’s right to carry on the litigation in a fair manner against the concern that a party with a significant fee award will take that money and use it to make every possible argument available, no matter the merit or lack thereof for each claim.’
Ward said the enormous legal bills the pair are racking up are unusual in family court but added that much of the money can be explained by the value of the assets being wrangled over and expects the eventual tab to be much higher.
He said: ‘At this pace, and without a settlement in the near future, I would not be surprised if the combined legal fees approach or exceed $5 million.’
Much of Baumgartner’s testimony during the evidentiary hearing had hinged on her being able to provide a lavish lifestyle for her three children comparable to that they enjoy while with their father.
Despite renting a $40,000-a-month property in tony Montecito, Baumgartner said her new home is inadequate because sons Cayden, 16, and Hayes, 14, would have to share a bathroom while daughter Grace, 13, would need ‘to share hers with the house.’
The mom-of-three had been enjoying a temporary monthly payment of $129,000 and had wanted it bumped to $161,000
DailyMail.com previously revealed that Baumgartner, 49, moved into the luxury four-bedroom home on Friday – after a judge in Santa Barbara, California, slashed her child support payments
In July Baumgartner was court-ordered to vacate the former couple’s $145million lavish California mansion
She also bemoaned the pool house guest accommodation – saying visitors would need to come into the main house to shower – and hit out at the lack of beach access to which her children are accustomed.
In his testimony, Costner said the property was comparable to his own luxury home in nearby Carpinteria and said it even has features he would like in his own house.
According to the mom-of-three’s friend, her objections also include her being ‘removed’ from the community she had enjoyed while living with Costner.
The friend added: ‘Christine said they [Costner and his legal team] painted the picture of this shallow, greedy gold-digger and that if Kevin could get past his anger and revenge, he would see how this is hurting their kids.
‘She said Kevin is ripping her apart from her community by making it impossible to live in the tight-knit neighborhood. ‘Christine said this was never about beach views and Kevin knows this. He knows how much the community means to Christine, and that this is his way of punishing her.
Estranged wife: Bizarre: Despite renting a $40,000-a-month property in tony Montecito, Baumgartner said her new home is inadequate because sons Cayden, 16, and Hayes, 14, would have to share a bathroom while daughter Grace, 13, would need ‘to share hers with the house’ (seen in August 2023)
Bitter: She also bemoaned the pool house guest accommodation – saying visitors would need to come into the main house to shower – and hit out at the lack of beach access to which her children are accustomed; pictured in 2014
‘Christine said the fight is far from over.’
The court also heard details of the family’s lavish spending – which totaled $240,000-a-month in 2022.
Expenses included $40,000 spent each month on flowers and gifts alone, although Costner’s forensic accountant Tracy Katz pointed out the figure is for the entire family, including Baumgartner.
Katz said the 49-year-old was responsible for a host of big-ticket items, including $18,000-a-month on medical bills, $18,855 on clothing and $3,377 on beauty treatments.
In his testimony, Costner said the property was comparable to his own luxury home in nearby Carpinteria and said it even has features he would like in his own house (seen in 2015)
On top of that, Baumgartner was responsible for the lion’s share of the $8,886 in cash taken out at ATM machines according to Katz.
In May 2023, Baumgartner filed for divorce from the Yellowstone star after 18 years of marriage and three children together due to ‘irreconcilable differences.’
‘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,’ Costner’s rep said in a statement, at the time.
‘We ask that his, Christine’s and their children’s privacy be respected as they navigate this difficult time,’ the statement concluded.
Costner was previously married to Cindy Silva from 1978 to 1994 and they share three children – Annie, 39, Lily, 36, and Joe, 35.
He also shares a son Liam Costner with Bridget Rooney, who he dated after his split with Silva.
Major age gap: In court documents obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com over the summer, Baumgartner described how she was instantly wowed when she first met ‘the handsome, charming movie star’ when she was just 18 and he was 37 (seen in 2014)
In court documents obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com over the summer, Baumgartner described how she was instantly wowed when she first met ‘the handsome, charming movie star’ when she was just 18 and he was 37.
Baumgartner recalled the magic moment they met in 1992 in support of her bid for more child support for the couple’s three teenagers.
Baumgartner wrote: ‘I met Kevin on the golf course at the Alisal Ranch (an exclusive “dude” ranch in Solvang, California) when I was eighteen years old,’ she wrote in papers filed in Santa Barbara Superior Court, California.
‘We played our first game of golf six years later and started dating shortly thereafter.
‘Kevin was handsome, charming and a movie star. We traveled the world in private planes, stayed in luxurious hotels and private homes.’
She also said she was the driving force for the Field of Dreams star to realize his own dreams, writing: ‘During our marriage, I encouraged Kevin to wear many hats and live his dreams, even if that meant spending time away from our family.
‘I encouraged him to reconnect with his former bandmates from college and to start a new band. He became a singer/songwriter and toured for weeks at a time in many countries. He became an investor in several companies, some of which were through my connections.’
She added: ‘Despite all of Kevin’s commitments, I made sure to always keep him and the children connected as much as possible. I never questioned the time or commitment it took for him to do what he loved.’
Inside Kevin Costner’s colorful love life: Two divorces, a love child and rumors of infidelity
Kevin Costner’s marriage to second wife Christine Baumgartner is coming to an end after 18 years and three children together.
Baumgartner, 49, cited ‘irreconcilable differences’ as the reason for the shock split, which reportedly ‘blindsided’ the Yellowstone star, 68.
And in wake of his latest failed union, DailyMail.com is taking a deep dive into the actor’s colorful love life.
And in wake of his latest failed union to purse designer Christine Baumgartner, DailyMail.com is taking a deep dive into Kevin Costner’s colorful love life; seen in 2022
First wife Cindy Silva
Costner pictured with his first wife Cindy Silva in 1991, she filed for divorce three years later ending their 16 year marriage
In November 1994, Costner’s then wife, Cindy Silva, filed for divorce after 16 years of marriage.
‘We have amicably resolved all issues regarding our children and financial affairs and a full marital settlement has been reached. We ask to be allowed the dignity of sorting through this more painful part of our lives in private,’ a statement from the couple read in 1994.
Costner and Silva met while they were both students at California State University – Fullerton.
They would go on to have three children together.
The pair split amid multiple reports that Costner had been having an affair with a celebrated hula dancer named Michele Amaral while he was filming his multi-million dollar flop Waterworld in Hawaii.
Eventually, Silva was awarded around $80 million in the divorce settlement.
In a 1995 interview, The Bodyguard star took responsibility for his role in the demise of his marriage, but did not go into detail.
‘A series of events conspired to happen at the same time. I know it hurt some people that I had failed in my marriage. And the marriage was my own failure,’ he said.
Costner said in a 1995 interview with Parade Magazine that he never even spoke to Amaral on the phone.
He also listed off the other women he was supposedly linked to including Playboy model Angie Everheart and the daughter of casino magnate Steve Wynn.
‘It was hard on Cindy and our children. It didn’t help things. The only thing it did was hurt. The collapse of my marriage was the hardest thing of all for me,’ the Dances With Wolves star said.
Costner went on to express his love for his first wife: ‘You can put this on the record. Through all the pain, Cindy’s been what I always thought she was a real lady. I still have love for Cindy.’
Silva supported Costner when he was a struggling actor, taking on odd-jobs that included performing as Snow White at Disneyland.
Short-lived fling Bridget Rooney
Shortly after his split from Silva, Costner had a son, Liam, with Pittsburgh Steelers heiress Bridget Rooney
Less than two years after his split from Silva, Costner had a son, Liam, with Bridget Rooney.
She is heiress to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the aunt of actresses Rooney and Kate Mara.
In 1996 Rooney insisted that she was ‘110% sure who the father’ of her child was.
But Rooney still ‘insisted on a paternity test’ to prove paternity, according to a 2002 article from PEOPLE.
That months-long affair is rumored to have cost the actor $7 million.
Liam in now 27-years-old.
‘Mistress’ Michele Amaral
In 1994, Kevin Costner was widely reported to have had an affair with hula dancer Michele Amaral while filming Waterworld
Costner allegedly had an affair with a celebrated hula dancer named Michele Amaral while he was filming his multi-million dollar flop Waterworld in Hawaii.
Amaral was also married as well as being a mother-of-two when she met Costner.
A report at the time in the New York Daily News said that the pair met at the Mauna Lani hotel and shortly afterwards Amaral was ‘spotted creeping out of his $4,500-a-day villa.
According to a Departures Magazine feature, Amaral has taught hula across the world and is known as the island’s premier soloist.
The Daily News report said that Silva was alerted to the affair by someone who was working on Waterworld and was fired.
The same article accused Costner of multiple infidelities during his marriage.
At the time Costner strenuously denied the allegations saying that he was merely interviewing Amaral for a job.
During an interview where Amaral was brought up, Costner became infuriated.
‘This woman has done nothing wrong and yet has had to share the harsh light of celebrity with me. I feel embarrassed, and I don’t think there’s one thing I can do to make her life better.’
‘This woman has a name and to make her a thing is the worst part of all. It’s wrong for her and her husband,’ Costner said.
Second wife Christine Baumgartner
Costner and second wife Baumgartner first began dating in 1998, having met around 1996 while Costner was filming his movie Tin Cup. They wed in 2004; seen in 2022
Costner and second wife Baumgartner first began dating in 1998, having met around 1996 while Costner was filming his movie Tin Cup.
The Bodyguard star said that at the time he first met her, he wasn’t ready to fall in love again.
Both are graduates of California State University – Fullerton. Baumgartner graduated with a degree in business.
They married in 2004 in Aspen, Colorado, where Costner has long maintained a 160-acre ranch, known as The Dunbar. Rooms can be rented on the property for as much as $36,000 per night.
The reason for the long courtship was because Costner was not sure if wanted more kids. The uncertainty even led them to break up for a period prior to their engagement.
‘Fear kept me from marrying Christine. [She] wanted a child, but I was afraid I couldn’t be an effective father.’
‘I woke up and thought, ‘Am I going to lose a beautiful woman who is willing to be with me to my very last breath because I am afraid to say yes to a child?’ That’s all it took. Sometimes you learn the thing you’re most afraid of will save your life,’ he told Closer Weekly in 2018.
Costner told the Daily Telegraph in 2011 that the reason for his four year hiatus from making movies was because of his new family.
As a recently as 2020, Costner spoke glowingly about how the couple’s relationship strengthened during the Covid-19 pandemic. He told People: ‘Our partnership has really come into focus about what we do for each other and how we deal with our family.’
The couple share three children, Grace, 12, Hayes, 14, and Cayden, 15, and both have filed for joint custody; seen in 2019
In 2022, Radar Online reported that Costner was given an ultimatum from his wife. The report said that she was demanding that he quit his hit show Yellowstone due to the fact that he was gone from home so often.
‘The show is such a mega-hit, producers want it to go on forever! [Baumgartner] wants a firm commitment this is his last season — or he might have to!,’ a source told the website.
And on Tuesday, May 2, it was revealed that Baumgartner had filed for divorce after 18 years of marriage.
A representative for the Yellowstone star asked for privacy while saying that ‘circumstances beyond his control have transpired which have resulted in Mr. Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage action’ with Baumgartner.
The couple share three children, 12, 14 and 15, and both have filed for joint custody.
The family’s primary residence was in Ventura, California, 30 miles south of Santa Barbara, where they also own an oceanfront mansion.
The couple settled with prenup enforced in September 2023.
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