Kevin Costner is claiming that he is unable to pay the monthly child support amount that his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, is requesting. According to the 68-year-old actor, he cannot afford the demands now that he is no longer on Yellowstone. Christine had requested a monthly payment of $248,000.
“I will earn substantially less in 2023 than I did in 2022," the actor claimed in documents. "This is because I am no longer under contract for Yellowstone, the principal source of my income last year.”
Kevin also stated that he couldn't “afford to pay those amounts and pay my living and business expenses without liquidating assets.” He largely believes that the requested amount is more than what is actually needed for his three kids.
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The former couple share 16-year-old Cayden, 14-year-old Hayes, and 13-year-old Grace. "Providing the minor children with more than bare necessities does not require providing ludicrous extravagance designed to primarily benefit the supported parent," Kevin stated.
But Christine earlier said that the amount she is requesting "is less than the amount needed to maintain the children in their accustomed lifestyle." She requested that Kevin pay the kids' full private school tuition, expenses for extracurriculars and sports, and health care expenses. She didn't note spousal support anywhere in the filing.
Christine filed for divorce from Kevin earlier this year. The couple had been married for 18 years.
Since the separation, Kevin has claimed that his estranged wife is refusing to move out of the home they share. And according to their prenuptial agreement, she had 30 days to leave after filing for divorce. In court documents, it was stated that he is willing to put a $10,000 advance toward her moving costs, and $30,000 per month for a rental home.
Kevin initially offered $38,000 a month for child support, but Christine's request is six times that amount. A source shared that the actor didn't even want to get a divorce in the first place.
The former couple are set to appear in court on July 5 for a case-management conference.
According to a source close to Kevin, "It’s disingenuous to bring the kids into this. This has nothing to do with the kids. The kids’ foundation is solid. This is all about Christine. Kevin has gone above and beyond in providing Christine the necessary means to find a suitable place for her to move."
