Kevin Costner Ordered to Pay $129,000 per Month in Child Support in Divorce Case
Kevin Costner, the renowned actor known for his roles in films like “Dances with Wolves” and the hit TV show “Yellowstone,” faced a setback recently as he was absent from this year’s list of Emmy nominees. However, his unfortunate streak continued as the judge in his divorce case ruled that he must pay $129,000 per month in child support to his estranged wife, Christine.
During a hearing on Wednesday afternoon, the judge officially declared the ruling, which was confirmed by Yahoo Entertainment. While the amount falls short of the nearly $250,000 per month Christine was seeking, it still surpasses Kevin’s desired monthly payment.
The next step in the ongoing legal battle will be a hearing to determine the actual amount of child support that Christine, formerly known as Christine Baumgartner, needs to take care of their three children – Cayden (16), Logan (14), and Grace (13). Both parties presented their arguments regarding the financial requirements during the hearing. Kevin’s team believes they need two days to establish the necessary financial support, while Christine’s attorney stated that they need four days. However, due to the judge’s current schedule, a date for the hearing has yet to be set.
Apart from the child support ruling, there is an August 3 hearing concerning attorneys’ fees. Kevin aims to recover $99,225 that he incurred in enforcing a provision of the prenuptial agreement requiring Christine to vacate their Santa Barbara beachfront property. Last week, a judge ruled in favor of Kevin, stating that Christine must leave the property within 30 days of filing for divorce, despite her lawyers arguing that she couldn’t afford to secure a new residence in the expensive area.
It is worth noting that the $129,000 figure for child support is not set in stone. The judge has the authority to retroactively reduce the amount if it is deemed excessive. The goal is to ensure that Christine can maintain the same standard of living for the children when they are under her care, compared to when they are with their famous father. If the judge determines that $129,000 per month is too high, Christine will be required to repay the excess amount to Kevin.
According to celebrity divorce attorney Chris Melcher, the guideline formula used to calculate child support produces a significant amount due to Kevin’s income, which is approximately $2 million per month. Melcher describes the amount as “obscene” but explains that it was determined according to Kevin’s income until a hearing on the children’s actual needs can take place.
In addition to child support, Christine has challenged the limitation on spousal support outlined in their prenuptial agreement. Kevin is obligated to pay child support only until the children turn 18, providing an incentive for Christine to pursue as much financial support as possible. Despite Kevin already sending her a check for $1 million, satisfying the prenup’s terms, Christine has refused to cash it. Challenging the prenuptial agreement puts Christine at risk of being responsible for Kevin’s attorney fees if she loses, potentially leaving her with nothing.
The ongoing legal proceedings between Kevin and Christine have become increasingly messy over the past two months. It seems unlikely that the two sides will reach an agreement outside of court. Melcher suggests that Christine may have weakened her position by taking an aggressive stance in public court documents, thus removing her leverage for a quiet settlement. He advises her to come to the table and negotiate a deal to avoid further complications.
The divorce case between Kevin Costner and Christine Costner continues to unfold, captivating public attention as the courtroom drama intensifies. The outcome of the upcoming hearings will determine the final resolution of this high-profile divorce.