Costly Divorce Battle Over Luxurious Home
A lavish property with custom-designed interiors and a sprawling pool complete with a jacuzzi – all this for a staggering $40,000 per month rent. But Kevin Costner’s estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, insists it falls short of what her family deserves.
Baumgartner, 49, moved into the luxury four-bedroom house recently, as exclusively revealed by DailyMail.com. This move followed a court decision in Santa Barbara, California, which reduced her child support payments from $129,000 to $63,000 per month.
She had hoped for a larger allowance of $161,000 to rent a beachfront home comparable to her previous residence with Costner. During the court proceedings, she argued that her new home didn’t match the living standards of her old one. She complained about sharing a bathroom for her sons and criticized guest accommodations.
However, photos obtained by DailyMail.com show that the property is far from ordinary, featuring luxury amenities, a well-maintained garden, and access to a wooded hiking trail.
Costner, 68, was grilled by Baumgartner’s legal team during the court hearing. He expressed concern over the financial impact of increased child support payments, emphasizing that he might have to sell his beloved properties to cover the expenses.
Despite the dispute, Costner’s property in Carpinteria, valued at over $75 million, includes a main house, two guest houses, and an array of watersport and surfing equipment. In contrast, Baumgartner’s new rental lacks the sea views and spacious outdoor areas of Costner’s property.
The ongoing court battle centers on the concept of a “comparable lifestyle” for the children. Baumgartner argues that the current $129,000 monthly support isn’t enough to match Costner’s affluent lifestyle. However, experts suggest that the judge will seek to limit the disparity between living conditions rather than ensuring exact parity.
While Costner’s finances are significantly higher than Baumgartner’s, with monthly earnings of over $1.4 million, the dispute raises questions about the children’s living arrangements and the financial support needed to maintain their lifestyle.