Kevin Costner’s ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner, has criticized the actor’s proposed monthly child support amount of $51,940 as ‘inappropriate’ in their ongoing divorce proceedings. Previously, Baumgartner had requested $248,000 per month in child support, which Costner alleged was partly intended for her plastic surgery expenses. In response to their financial dispute, Costner has now offered a different amount. However, Baumgartner has rejected the proposal, stating in legal documents that Costner spends $240,000 per month on himself and their children when they are in his care., Your Content has learned.
The couple, who share three children together (Cayden, 16; Hayes, 14; and Grace, 13), also have four adult children from previous relationships. Baumgartner argues that $52,000 is considerably lower than the $65,000 per month Costner allegedly receives from renting out a guest house at his $100 million beachfront property.
Baumgartner emphasizes that this amount is insufficient to maintain the children’s accustomed lifestyle, which includes living at the beach and in a gated neighborhood with a team of staff members to assist with tasks such as grocery shopping and cleaning. She claims that the requested child support is necessary to cover expenses such as utilities and TV bills.
Costner’s forensic accountant counters Baumgartner’s claims, asserting in court documents that the $248,000 listed expenses include over $100,000 spent on Baumgartner’s cosmetic surgery, as well as substantial amounts on boutique shopping, ATM withdrawals, and other expenses unrelated to child support.
Among the expenses listed by Baumgartner are credit card bills, attorney fees, and construction loans. Costner’s accountant argues that these expenses are one-time costs unrelated to child support. According to the current agreement, Costner has been covering all of the children’s expenses and will continue to do so, considering $51,940 a month as a reasonable amount.
Recent documents reveal that Costner earned slightly over $19.5 million in 2022, with the family’s expenses amounting to $6.6 million for the same year. The net worth of the family is estimated to be $7.5 million.
In a separate development, Baumgartner has been ordered to vacate the $145 million mansion that she previously shared with Costner during the couple’s divorce proceedings. A source close to Costner reported that he is pleased with the court ruling. Baumgartner has until the end of the month to leave the California residence.
Baumgartner appeared solemn as she attended the first court hearing in Santa Barbara, California, on Wednesday. Previously, she had agreed to leave the family home but only on her own terms, setting a departure date for August 31, dependent on the court’s decision, originally scheduled for July 12, according to DailyMail.