Kevin Costner to pay estranged wife over P7 million in monthly child support

Kevin Costner has been ordered to pay his estranged wife $129,000 (over P7 million) per month in child support.

TMZ reported on Wednesday, July 12 (Philippine time) that a judge has signed a tentative ruling for only half of what the actor’s former partner Christine Baumgartner asked for in their divorce. 

Baumgartner initially asked for $248,000 (P13.8 million) monthly for their three kids: 16-year-old Cayden Wyatt, 14-year-old Hayes Logan, and 13-year-old Grace Avery. She noted, according to court documents, that it’s “less than the amount needed to maintain the children in their accustomed lifestyle.” 

Page Six previously reported that she wants Costner to take care of expenses in line with their children’s health care, extracurricular activities, sports, and private school tuition. 

Costner’s monthly income was made public following Baumgartner’s application for child support payments in late June. He earned over $19 million (P1 billion) in 2022, and his family spent $6,645,285 (P369 million) on trips to the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Aspen as well as catering services and chefs for entertaining. After taxes, his net income was allegedly $7,595,520 (P422 million).

The Field of Dreams star said in court records previously that he did not want his financial details to be made public out of concern that fraudsters, burglars, and "unwanted and embarrassing global media attention" may cause him "irreparable harm."

He also claimed that his estranged wife spent $95,000 (5.2 million) of his money on solicitors and a forensic accountant during the proceedings without letting him know beforehand. 

The ex-couple only reached an “amicable agreement” on child custody and Baumgartner has asked for “joint” custody. She is not asking for spousal support either. (with reports from ANI)