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Kevin Costner's wife Christine makes near-million dollar request from Yellowstone actor, reveals staggering legal fees

The Yellowstone actor's wife is requesting his help in covering her ongoing costs for their divorce


Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner arrive at the premiere of Paramount Pictures' 'Yellowstone' at Paramount Studios on June 11, 2018 in Hollywood, California
Beatriz Colon
Beatriz Colon - New York
Online News WriterNew York
On 17 September 2023
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Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner's legal battle over their divorce is going for the long haul, and it is costing them a pretty penny.

The Yellowstone actor and his estranged wife have been at odds over a myriad of issues pertaining to their prenup, including over child support and their residential properties, ever since Christine filed for divorce on May 1.

Four months in, the legal battle is far from over, and as the two continue to dispute their divorce settlement – and even prepare to go to court in November – Christine is requesting financial assistance from her husband to afford the costly legal battle.

WATCH: Kevin Costner stars as John Dutton on Yellowstone

In new court documents obtained by Entertainment Tonight, Christine has claimed she now owes $314,113 for "for past fees and costs," allegedly pertaining to the divorce proceedings.

In turn, she is requesting $855,000 from the Dances with Wolves director in order to cover the ongoing cost of the divorce.

The documents also reveal that Kevin's own fees the last four months of the legal battle have tallied up to a whopping $644,000.

Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner attend the "Hidden Figures" New York special screening on December 10, 2016 © Getty
Kevin and Christine were married for 18 years

Kevin slammed Christine's near-million dollar request as "outrageous" and "nonsensical," and said she had failed to provide the court "with any evidence that 1,106 hours of attorney time at $800 per hour is necessary to prepare" for the upcoming trial.

MORE: Kevin Costner says he 'still loves' estranged wife Christine Baumgartner as he breaks silence over contentious divorce

MORE: Kevin Costner breaks silence on adultery allegations, questions ex Christine Baumgartner's fidelity

The trial, slated for November, is set to settle the validity of Kevin and Christine's PMA (premarital agreement), which the latter has continuously challenged.

Kevin Costner and his wife Christine arrive on the red carpet for the premiere of Touchstone Picture's "Swing Vote,"  on July 24, 2008 at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California© Getty
The two first met on a golf course in the early '90s

In court documents previously obtained by People, Kevin's legal team declared: "Four months into this matter, and three months away from the commencement of the trial on the validity of the PMA, Christine refuses to make known all of her contentions regarding the validity of the PMA."

Ahead of the trial, Christine has allegedly both challenged many of the prenup's stipulations and claimed she "didn't fully understand" its terms when she signed it. Her soon-to-be ex-husband described that move as "stalling tactics" to drag out their divorce proceedings and as "gamesmanship of the worst sort."

Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner attend the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)© Getty
Christine filed for divorce on May 1

Not only has Christine now spent nearly half a million dollars over the divorce, but the decision to challenge the PMA could cost her triple that cost. Under the terms of the former couple's prenup, it was agreed that Christine would receive a $1.5 million payout should they divorce.

MORE: Kevin Costner and estranged wife Christine Baumgartner seen together for first time since divorce amid legal battle – details

Grace Avery Costner, Kevin Costner, Hayes Logan Costner, Christine Baumgartner, and Cayden Wyatt Costner in 2019 © Getty
The former couple have three kids together

However, their prenup also states: "If Christine, in any manner, challenges or assists in the challenge of the validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement, she shall lose any and all rights to receive any payment, Property or Interest from Kevin pursuant to this Agreement."

Moreover, the prenup dictates that should either party retain counsel in order to either enforce or breach the agreement, as is the case now, the prevailing party would be reimbursed for the legal fees incurred by the non-prevailing party.

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