Kevin Costner Exposes Christine Baumgartner's Divorce Tactics, Uncovers Prenup Mystery

Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner. Lionel Hahn/Abaca/INSTARimages

Kevin Costner alleges that his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, has intentionally prolonged their divorce in an attempt to avoid providing answers to his discovery requests. In a court filing on August 10th, Costner, 68, expressed his belief that Baumgartner's actions are solely aimed at delaying the proceedings.

Costner is requesting monetary sanctions against Baumgartner, 49, for allegedly failing to respond to his discovery requests. The actor, known for his role in Yellowstone, stated in his motion that he served Baumgartner with written discovery requests in May to obtain her opinions regarding the validity of the prenuptial agreement they signed in 2004. Costner emphasized that they were simply seeking basic discovery regarding the facts, documents, and witnesses that support Baumgartner's arguments in their ongoing divorce case.

According to Costner, Baumgartner has consistently refused to disclose her divorce contentions and has neither confirmed nor denied her understanding of the executed prenup. She has not yet responded to his recent allegations.

"Christine claims that she cannot confirm or deny her understanding of the Premarital Agreement because she and her attorneys are unfamiliar with the meaning of the word 'understood.' This is a clear example of manipulative tactics," the new documents state. "The word 'understood' is not complex or obscure. It is not a valid objection to argue that a request is unclear, unless it is so ambiguous that the responding party cannot provide an informed response in good faith. It is frivolous to suggest that Christine and her experienced lawyers are unable to comprehend the word 'understood' and therefore cannot respond to this straightforward request for admission. It is evident that this objection was raised merely to cause unnecessary delay."

In May, it was confirmed that Baumgartner filed for divorce from Costner after being married for 19 years, citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their separation. Since then, the couple has been involved in a contentious legal dispute over financial matters, custody of their family home, and child support. Costner and Baumgartner have three children together: Cayden, 16, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 13. (Costner also has daughters Annie, 39, and Lily, 36, and son Joe, 35, from his previous marriage to Cindy Silva, as well as son Liam, 26, from his relationship with Bridget Rooney.)

In June, Baumgartner accused Costner of trying to force her out of their shared residence and requested significant child support payments to cover their children's expenses. Costner countered by claiming that he couldn't meet her specific child support demands since he would earn substantially less in 2023 after the conclusion of Yellowstone's fifth and final season. Additionally, Costner alleged that Baumgartner primarily used her expenses for personal gain rather than the well-being of their children.

Following the legal proceedings, a judge ruled in favor of Baumgartner, ordering Costner to pay $129,755 per month in child support and instructing Baumgartner to vacate his residence by the end of July.

In the midst of the intense exchange, Costner has also requested the court to keep their upcoming divorce depositions confidential, as stated in the documents filed on Monday, August 7.

According to the documents obtained by Us, Costner's attorneys argued, "[Kevin] is a public figure. The press and media have recently stationed themselves outside [his] residence, making it challenging, if not impossible, to enter or exit. If the date and location of the depositions are made public, it poses a risk to the safety of the parties and legal representation. Access to and from the building where the depositions will take place will become extremely difficult, to the point where law enforcement may be required to clear the streets, walkways, and ensure public safety. The requested order can eliminate this need and protect the parties and their legal representation."