“Kevin Costner’s Estranged Wife Insists R990K Child Support Offer Isn’t Enough”
Kevin Costner’s Estranged Wife Rejects R990K Monthly Child Support Offer as “Inappropriate”
Christine Baumgartner, the estranged wife of Yellowstone star Kevin Costner, has strongly rejected his proposed monthly child support payment of $51,940 (around R990,000), calling it “completely inappropriate” and insufficient to maintain their children’s accustomed lifestyle.
Costner, 68, previously criticized Baumgartner’s request for $248,000 per month as “inflated and grossly inaccurate.” However, Baumgartner insists the actor’s counter-offer is inadequate, representing just 24% of the guideline figure and only 2.4% of his reported monthly cash flow. She also pointed out that one of the guest houses on their beachside compound rents for $68,000 a month—more than what he is offering to support their three children: Cayden (16), Hayes (14), and Grace (13).
Court documents filed by Baumgartner argue that while Costner reportedly spends $240,000 per month when the children are with him, he only has them about 40% of the time, yet expects her to raise them on a fifth of that amount. She added, “He apparently expects his children to live far below his economic circumstances when they are with their mother.”
Baumgartner, 49, emphasized that her primary concern is securing a home near the children’s schools, friends, and father. She stated that her proposed child support figure includes housing costs comparable to the luxury residences within Costner’s Beach Club Compound.
She also outlined other expenses, such as utilities, security, furniture, and recreational equipment, and noted that during their 18-year marriage, the family had household staff including chefs and personal assistants.
Baumgartner highlighted the children’s accustomed lifestyle, which includes flying first class or on private jets, vacationing in properties costing up to $120,000 a week, and having access to private chefs and luxury amenities.
In addition to child support, she is requesting that Costner cover the full costs of the children’s healthcare, private education, extracurricular activities, as well as $350,000 in attorney’s fees and $150,000 in forensic accounting costs.
She dismissed Costner’s claim that he cannot afford her request, arguing that his earning potential remains high, particularly following the success of Yellowstone. “Kevin could have continued with the show, but he chose not to in order to pursue the Horizon project,” she added.
Baumgartner has requested the first payment be made by July 14 and has been ordered to vacate the couple’s beachside mansion by July 31.
