In the ongoing divorce saga between actor Kevin Costner and his ex-wife Christine Baumgartner, a recent court ruling has led to a significant reduction in the child support payments Costner is required to make. The judge’s decision, issued on Friday, mandates that the 68-year-old “Yellowstone” star pay Baumgartner $63,209 monthly, as reported by TMZ.
This development followed a request made by Baumgartner in legal documents earlier this month, in which she sought approximately $175,057 per month from Costner to maintain a consistent lifestyle for their three children.
In July, a different judge had initially ordered Costner to pay $129,755 per month in child support, a figure considerably lower than the $248,000 per month that Baumgartner had originally requested.
Baumgartner had raised concerns about Costner allegedly withholding financial evidence in a California Superior Court filing in August, as reported by People magazine.
This legal battle concludes a months-long and contentious process initiated when the couple, married for 18 years, filed for divorce in May, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
During the recent court proceedings, Costner took the stand and discussed his finances, including his income from starring in the now-canceled show “Yellowstone,” where he earned $1,468,953 per month.
The dispute also delved into the value of Costner’s five-lot beachfront property, which Baumgartner claimed was worth between $75 million and $95 million. She expressed dissatisfaction with her current rental home, costing $40,000 a month, and aimed to upgrade to a $150,000-a-month residence with her requested child support payments.
Costner, however, asserted that while the properties were comparable, they were not equal. When asked if he would trade homes with his ex, he responded with humor, saying, “This is tricky! No, I would not, but not because I don’t think that home is comparable.”
Throughout this contentious divorce, rumors have circulated about Costner’s alleged intentions to humiliate Baumgartner. An anonymous source claimed in July that Costner sought to make her life a “living hell” for proceeding with the divorce, although Costner’s actions during the legal proceedings may suggest otherwise.
The ongoing legal battle continues to unfold, leaving observers intrigued about its ultimate resolution.
Credit: New York Post
