In the midst of a high-profile divorce battle, Hollywood actor Kevin Costner finds himself entangled in a legal dispute with his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner. The couple, who were married for 18 years, are now at odds over child support and allegations of extramarital affairs. As the court proceedings unfold, both parties are making compelling claims and seeking financial compensation. In this article, we will delve into the details of Kevin Costner’s divorce battle, examining the child support demands and the denial of any extramarital affairs.
The Battle for Child Support
Baumgartner’s Request for Increased Child Support
Christine Baumgartner, the estranged wife of Kevin Costner, has petitioned the court to increase the monthly child support payment for their three children. In court documents obtained by Fox News Digital, Baumgartner requested a substantial increase from the previous interim order of $129,755 per month. Her new demand is set at a staggering $175,057 per month, retroactive to July 1.
Kevin Costner’s Financial Status
Baumgartner’s legal team argues that Kevin Costner is a “man of extraordinary wealth” and has the means to meet the requested child support amount without any significant impact on his lifestyle. The court documents claim that Costner’s wealth is so vast that he is unaware of the exact value of his real estate portfolio, the operations of his business entities, or even the amount he has paid his attorneys and experts during the course of the divorce proceedings.
The Battle Continues
In response to Baumgartner’s request for increased child support, Costner’s legal team has contested the demand. They argue that the current child support amount is sufficient and that Baumgartner’s request is excessive. The court will need to evaluate the evidence presented by both parties to determine the appropriate level of child support that takes into account the children’s well-being while considering Costner’s considerable wealth.
Allegations of Extramarital Affairs
Costner’s Denial
While the battle for child support unfolds, Kevin Costner has vehemently denied any involvement in extramarital affairs during his marriage to Christine Baumgartner. In court documents, Costner stated that he does not have factual knowledge of Baumgartner’s alleged affairs.
Request for Documentation
Baumgartner’s legal team, however, has requested all relevant documents related to expenses paid by Costner or on his behalf in connection with an extramarital affair. The court documents reveal that Baumgartner’s lawyers are seeking statements, receipts, invoices, and cancelled checks to support their claims.
Financial Transparency
The divorce proceedings have also shed light on the financial transparency between Costner and Baumgartner. Baumgartner accuses Costner of withholding pertinent financial information, claiming that he has not produced relevant documents regarding his finances. Costner’s team argues that Baumgartner’s accusations are baseless and that he has been forthcoming with the necessary information.
The Legal Battle Unfolds
Legal Expenses and Property Disputes
The legal battle between Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner extends beyond child support and allegations of extramarital affairs. Costner has claimed that Baumgartner charged over $100,000 in unauthorized attorney and accounting fees to his credit card since April. As a result, he canceled her companion card and implemented a monthly cap of $15,000 for emergencies related to their children.
Furthermore, Baumgartner was ordered to vacate the $145 million Carpinteria compound by July 31. Costner had purchased the property before their marriage, and a pre-marital agreement allegedly stipulated that she would need to move out of the home within 30 days if they divorced. Baumgartner is currently residing in a vacation rental and will soon move to a month-to-month rental in Montecito.
The Pre-Marital Agreement
A significant aspect of the divorce battle centers around the validity of the pre-marital agreement between Costner and Baumgartner. The court has scheduled a six-day trial at the end of November to determine the enforceability of the agreement. The outcome of this trial could have a significant impact on the division of assets and financial obligations between the former couple.
Conclusion
As Kevin Costner’s divorce battle unfolds, the issues of child support and allegations of extramarital affairs take center stage. While Baumgartner seeks an increase in child support, Costner denies any involvement in extramarital affairs during their marriage. The court will ultimately determine the appropriate level of child support, taking into consideration Costner’s substantial wealth and the children’s well-being. Additionally, the validity of the pre-marital agreement will play a crucial role in defining the division of assets and financial responsibilities. As the legal proceedings continue, the fate of Kevin Costner’s divorce battle remains uncertain.
