Actor Kevin Costner has been ordered to pay $129,755 per month in child support to his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, according to a tentative ruling by a judge on Tuesday. This amount is half of Baumgartner's initial request of $248,000 per month.
In addition to the child support, Costner will also be responsible for $200,000 in attorney's fees and $100,000 in forensic costs. The former couple will share the costs of their three children's healthcare, sports, and extracurricular activities equally.
Baumgartner's initial filing for divorce cited "irreconcilable differences" and listed the date of separation as April 11, 2023. Both parties have filed for joint custody of their three children. Baumgartner’s legal team had presented a forensic accountant's report indicating Costner's 2022 gross cash flow was $24,518,887. They argued his initial child support offer of $51,940 was insufficient, representing only a small fraction of his income. Baumgartner also contested Costner’s request for her to vacate their $145 million Santa Barbara estate, a matter that adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing divorce proceedings.
While the sum of $129,755 is substantial, legal experts consider the ruling a partial win for Costner, given it is significantly less than Baumgartner's initial request. However, the amount reflects the couple's high standard of living, and the law aims to maintain that standard for the children. A hearing regarding the custody arrangements is scheduled for July 12.
