In the midst of their contentious divorce, Christine Baumgartner, Kevin Costner’s ex-wife, disclosed she will have to “enter the workforce” as a result of their split.
This comes after it was revealed the pair are calling it quits after 18 years of marriage.
The pair tied the knot back in 2004, and share three children together, aged 12, 14, and 15.
Baumgartner reportedly cited ‘irreconcilable difference’ as the reason for the divorce, although the exact cause is still unknown.
“It is with great sadness that circumstances beyond his control have transpired which have resulted in Mr Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage action,” Costner’s representative told Fox News at the time.
“We ask that his, Christine’s and their children’s privacy be respected as they navigate this difficult time.”
According to a document by Costner’s attorney, Baumgartner is not requesting spousal support and will be ‘payable to petitioner pursuant to the terms of the parties’ Premarital Agreement’ they are also reportedly seeking shared custody of their children.
In 2003, the pair briefly split up, allegedly due to a disagreement over having more children, as Costner was hesitant about having more children. Despite this, they got back together before being married a year later.
The 68-year-old had previously discussed how the epidemic had strengthened their marriage, opening up in an interview with People magazine back in 2020.
“Our partnership has really come into focus about what we do for each other and how we deal with our family,” he said, adding: “Our house is like a river: You’ve just got to get into the flow of it… And whatever you thought it was going to be, maybe it still can, but it’s going to have to work with what the day brings.”
Dozens of fans have spoken out about the sad news online, with one writing: “That sucks, it seems like she wanted him home more, and he’s at one of the highlights of his career with Yellowstone, looks like he will have to continue on the show to pay the spousal support she’s going to end up wanting.”
While another said: “Probably because of the rumours that Costner is leaving Yellowstone,.. I’d file for divorce also.”
“Some people are never happy, I (We) don’t know the reason as to why this has come about but I hope that it all works out right for him. And she wanted children when he didn’t but he did go with it, makes you wonder why and how long this plan has been in the making, could make a good serial !!!!” a third speculated.
And now, they have attended their latest divorce court hearing, in which the Judge reduced Costner’s child support payments to Baumgartner by half, from $129,000 to $63,000, which she described as a “complete joke.”
The decision was made on Friday following a two-day court hearing during which they both shared their respective arguments on what they believed to be a “reasonable” sum for child support.
Christine said when testifying that she intended to return to school and find employment.
“I will look into the steps I need to take and any schooling I need to do, and I will enter the workforce,” she said.
The Daily Mail revealed a source close to Christine said: “Christine is shocked. She said even Kevin looked shocked. Everyone looked shocked,” about the child support being cut to $63,000.
“To say Christine is disappointed is an understatement. She described the ruling is a complete joke.”
They continued: “Christine said they (Kevin and his lawyers) painted the picture of this shallow, greedy gold-digger and that if Kevin could get past his anger and revenge, he would see how this is hurting their kids.
“She said Kevin is ripping her apart from her community by making it impossible to live in the tight-knit neighborhood.
“Christine said this was never about beach views and Kevin knows this. He knows how much the community means to Christine, and that this is his way of punishing her. Christine said the fight is far from over.”
What do you think?
