Kevin Costner, a renowned actor and filmmaker, is currently embroiled in a divorce battle with his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner. The latest development in their ongoing legal dispute involves Costner's claim that Baumgartner refuses to vacate their shared home in the Santa Barbara, California, area.
According to court documents obtained by NBC News, Costner asserts that their prenuptial agreement stipulated that Baumgartner had 30 days to leave the residence, which he claims to have purchased as a premarital asset in 1988, 16 years prior to their marriage. Baumgartner initiated divorce proceedings on May 1, citing irreconcilable differences after 18 years of marriage. The former couple shares three children together: Cayden, 16; Hayes, 14; and Grace, 13.
Costner Alleges Financial Demands as Reason for Wife's Refusal to Move Out
In recent filings submitted to the Santa Barbara County Superior Court, Costner and his legal team contend that Baumgartner has failed to comply with the prenuptial agreement's terms. They assert that she has not relocated from the Carpinteria home despite multiple requests and offers of financial assistance from Costner for finding a new residence. According to the court documents, Baumgartner has insisted that she will only leave Kevin's separate residence once he agrees to meet her various financial demands.
In a declaration included in the filing, Costner explained the significance of having a stable home base to him, drawing on his previous experience. According to US Weekly, he revealed that after his first marriage ended, he found himself without a place to call home, a situation he vowed never to repeat. When discussing marriage with Baumgartner in 2003, Costner emphasized the importance of maintaining ownership of his separate property residences, and she acknowledged and agreed to this provision.
The filing also sheds light on the financial aspects of their prenuptial agreement. Costner was obligated to pay Baumgartner $100,000 upon their marriage, another $100,000 on their first anniversary, and an additional $1 million following the divorce filing. Moreover, the prenup stipulates that Costner must provide Baumgartner with a $200,000 deposit to assist in purchasing a new home, as well as cover property taxes and homeowners insurance for a year. Costner claims to have made additional offers, including thousands of dollars for moving expenses, the assistance of his existing staff during the relocation process, and an increase of $38,000 per month on top of the agreed-upon child support of $30,000 per month.
Read also: Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt Divorce: Couple Splitting Up? Relocates To London For Pitt's Upcoming Film
Baumgartner Set to Challenge Spousal Support Waiver in Prenuptial Agreement
Costner's court filing indicates that Baumgartner intends to challenge the spousal support waiver specified in the prenuptial agreement. However, neither Baumgartner's legal team nor Costner provided any comment on the matter when approached for a response.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner's divorce continues to capture attention, highlighting the complexities and challenges that can arise in high-profile separations. Their case underscores the importance of prenuptial agreements in establishing clear terms and protecting individual assets. The dispute over the shared home in Santa Barbara raises questions about property rights and the extent to which financial considerations can impact the division of assets in a divorce.
While the details of the negotiations remain private, it is clear that both parties are committed to asserting their respective rights. As the legal battle continues, the public awaits further updates on the resolution of this high-profile divorce case.
Divorces involving celebrities often draw significant media attention due to the public's fascination with the personal lives of public figures. Kevin Costner, known for his remarkable career in Hollywood, has long been a subject of public interest. As the divorce proceedings continue, the media spotlight shines on this high-profile case, capturing the curiosity of fans and observers alike. Only time will tell how the legal dispute unfolds and what arrangements are made regarding the shared property and financial matters between Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner.
Read also: Cardi B Opens up About the Reason She Called off Divorce to Work on Marriage: 'He Wanted to Change'
