The $63,000 Question: Inside Kevin Costner And Christine Baumgartner’s Bitter Divorce And Final $200K Settlement
The highly publicized, 18-year marriage of Hollywood icon Kevin Costner and designer Christine Baumgartner officially concluded in February 2024, marking the end of a contentious, months-long legal battle that captivated the public and revealed the complex financial and personal stakes of a high-profile celebrity split. The divorce proceedings, which began with Christine’s filing in May 2023, were defined by fierce disagreements over the terms of their prenuptial agreement, the value of their vast real estate portfolio, and the necessary financial provisions for their three children, ultimately culminating in a final Marital Settlement Agreement that brought the dramatic saga to a close.
As of December 23, 2025, the final details of the settlement—including a significant monthly child support payment and a shared custody arrangement—provide a clear picture of the resolution reached by the former couple. The separation, which initially saw Christine Baumgartner challenging the terms of the prenuptial agreement, eventually settled on terms that both parties described as "mutually agreed upon," allowing both Costner and Baumgartner to move forward after a turbulent period of public scrutiny and legal maneuvering. This deep dive explores the key players, the timeline of the split, and the final financial and custodial arrangements.
Biographies: Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner
The relationship between the celebrated actor and the former model began years before their marriage, rooted in a mutual connection to the Santa Barbara area. Their union produced three children and lasted nearly two decades, enduring the pressures of Hollywood and the demands of a sprawling family life.
Kevin Costner: The Hollywood Icon
- Full Name: Kevin Michael Costner
- Born: January 18, 1955 (68 at the time of the divorce filing)
- Career Highlights: Two-time Academy Award winner, known for films like *Dances with Wolves*, *The Bodyguard*, *Field of Dreams*, and the massively successful TV series *Yellowstone*.
- Key Entities: Costner is also the frontman for the country-rock band Modern West and a major real estate owner, with properties including a $145 million Carpinteria beach compound in Santa Barbara and the 160-acre Dunbar ranch in Aspen, Colorado.
Christine Baumgartner: The Handbag Designer
- Full Name: Christine Baumgartner
- Born: March 4, 1974 (49 at the time of the divorce filing)
- Career Highlights: Former model and entrepreneur. She is the founder of the handbag line Cat Bag Couture.
- Key Entities: Baumgartner attended California State University, Fullerton. She was Kevin Costner's second wife, marrying him in 2004 at his Aspen ranch.
The Children
Kevin and Christine share three children, the focus of the intense custody and financial negotiations:
- Cayden Wyatt Costner (b. 2007)
- Hayes Logan Costner (b. 2009)
- Grace Avery Costner (b. 2010)
The Contentious Legal Battle: Prenup, Property, and Moving Out
The divorce proceedings, initiated by Christine Baumgartner on May 2, 2023, quickly became a highly publicized court drama. The core of the dispute was the couple's comprehensive prenuptial agreement, signed before their 2004 wedding. The agreement stipulated specific financial and residential terms in the event of a divorce, which became the main source of contention.
The Prenuptial Agreement and the Residence Dispute
The premarital agreement reportedly required Christine to vacate the marital home, a luxurious Santa Barbara compound, within 30 days of filing for divorce. However, Christine initially refused to leave, arguing that she needed a suitable new residence for herself and the children before moving out. This led to a court order mandating her departure, which was a significant early victory for Costner. To facilitate the move, Costner provided $200,000 to cover moving costs and also paid the first year's rent and security deposit for her new rental home, adhering to the terms set out in the prenup.
The Child Support Showdown
The most dramatic element of the case was the dispute over child support. Christine initially requested a monthly payment of $248,000, arguing that this amount was necessary to maintain the children’s accustomed lifestyle, which included private jets, multiple luxury homes, and extensive travel. Costner countered that the request was excessive and focused on maintaining his ex-wife's lifestyle, not just the children's. During the court hearings, Costner's legal team revealed detailed financial information, including his significant earnings from *Yellowstone* and other projects.
The court ultimately sided with a lower figure than Christine’s request, but still a substantial sum. The judge ordered Kevin Costner to pay $63,000 per month in child support for the three minor children. This figure was a compromise that satisfied the legal requirement to ensure the children's needs are met while reflecting the family's high net worth.
The Final Resolution: Custody, Finances, and the February 2024 Finalization
Despite the highly contentious nature of the early proceedings, the former couple reached a comprehensive Marital Settlement Agreement in September 2023, which was officially finalized by the court on February 16, 2024. The final agreement covered all outstanding issues, including property division, spousal support, and the long-term care of their children, moving the case from a public battle to a private resolution.
Shared Custody Arrangement
A key element of the final agreement was the shared custody arrangement for Cayden, Hayes, and Grace. The former couple agreed to equally co-parent their children, a decision that signifies a commitment to minimizing disruption to the children's lives despite the end of the marriage. This arrangement required both parents to remain in the local area of Santa Barbara to ensure the children’s stability and ease of transition between homes.
The Financial Terms and Penalties
Beyond the $63,000 monthly child support, the settlement also included a notable financial penalty for Christine Baumgartner. Due to her initial challenges to the prenuptial agreement, which was ultimately upheld by the court, she was ordered to pay a portion of Kevin Costner's legal fees. The final amount she was ordered to pay was $14,237.50 for the actor’s divorce attorney fees, a clear indication of the legal consequences of challenging a valid prenup in court.
The End of the Road
The finalization of the divorce in early 2024 brought an end to the 18-year marriage and the months of legal turmoil. While the initial split was anything but smooth, with debates over the Aspen ranch, the Santa Barbara property, and the children’s financial future, the final resolution was described by Costner’s representative as "amicable," suggesting a mutual desire to close this chapter. The case serves as a high-profile example of how even the most ironclad prenuptial agreements can be challenged, but ultimately, the focus shifted to the well-being of the three children through a robust shared custody and child support plan. The actor is now free to focus on his career, including his upcoming *Horizon: An American Saga* film series, while Christine Baumgartner continues her work as a designer and co-parent.
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