After 18 years of marriage, Christine Baumgartner filed for divorce from her husband, Kevin Costner, on May 1st, 2023. This has turned into a contentious divorce negotiation, filled with financial disputes and custody arrangements.
In the latest development, Baumgartner has made a humiliating move out of the couple’s $145 million Santa Barbara estate and into smaller staff quarters on the property. According to a People exclusive, this sacrifice shows her sole focus is on providing stability for the couple’s three kids during the tumultuous divorce proceedings.
Christine Baumgartner Has Moved Out of the House
A judge ruled Christine Baumgartner had to vacate the 25,000 square-foot oceanfront mansion she shared with Kevin Costner during their nearly two-decade marriage. She complied by moving into a 2,700-square-foot, 5-bedroom home previously used to house ranch staff.
While substantially smaller than the luxury family residence, sources say she chose the move to maintain stability for the kids. Between Costner’s filming schedule that keeps him away from home for extended periods and the upheaval of divorce, Baumgartner wants to ensure as little disruption as possible.
“Christine is trying to keep everything as normal as possible. Her sole focus is the kids.”
The temporary arrangement comes after the judge granted child support payments to Baumgartner of $129,000. Their lawyers are slated to return to court on August 2nd to continue negotiations, including discussing the couple’s prenuptial agreement. This legal back-and-forth indicates the rancorous finances involved in the split.
Ironclad Prenup Protects Kevin Costner’s Fortune
Kevin Costner ensured an ironclad prenuptial agreement before marrying in 2004. Having gone through a first divorce that left him nearly homeless, Costner aimed to protect the fortune he’s amassed as an A-list actor and director, estimated at around $250 million.
With a reputation as a Hollywood heartthrob, Costner likely never imagined needing such rigid financial protections from his second wife. Sources close to her say she is blindsided by Costner initiating divorce after nearly two decades of marriage where she supported his career.
Prenup Hinders Spousal Support After Long Marriage
Given the lengths Costner went to shield his wealth, the prenup presumably prevents Baumgartner from receiving half his net worth. This is despite California being a community property state where assets accrued during the marriage are typically split 50/50. Christine’s sacrificial move to staff quarters seems designed to undermine Costner’s public persona as the wronged spouse just trying to move on.
Christine Baumgartner likely faces an uphill legal battle to receive a substantial share of the couple’s marital assets or significant spousal support.
Source: People
