Kevin Costner Accuses Estranged Wife of Deliberately Prolonging Divorce Proceedings

Kevin Costner, the acclaimed actor known for his role in ‘Yellowstone,’ has accused his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, of intentionally dragging out their divorce proceedings. The couple split in May after 19 years of marriage and amidst a prenuptial agreement. However, the divorce has become contentious, involving disputes over financial matters, child support, and their family home.

Despite the prenuptial agreement in place, the divorce has been marked by disagreements, leading to a prolonged legal battle. Costner, 68, alleges that Baumgartner, a handbag designer, has been deliberately obstructing the process, causing delays.

In court documents obtained by Us Weekly magazine, Costner expressed frustration over Baumgartner’s reluctance to provide responses to his discovery requests sent in May. These requests were aimed at understanding her contentions about the validity of their prenuptial agreement.

Costner’s legal team sought basic information about the facts, documents, and witnesses supporting Baumgartner’s contentions, which he argued is a reasonable demand in a divorce proceeding. However, he accused her of engaging in “gamesmanship” by refusing to reveal her contentions and even claiming that she cannot admit or deny understanding the prenup due to not comprehending the word “understood.”

Costner’s court documents stated, “The notion that Christine and the multiple seasoned lawyers representing her do not understand the word ‘understood’ and cannot reply to this simple, straightforward [request for admission] is frivolous. Clearly, this vagueness objection was interposed only for the purpose of delay.”

The actor is now seeking financial sanctions against Baumgartner for her alleged failure to respond to these requests. Despite their prenuptial agreement, the divorce proceedings have become contentious, shedding light on the complexities and challenges that can arise even with such legal agreements in place.

In July, a judge ruled that Baumgartner must consult with Costner before making any property-related decisions on the estate, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing divorce proceedings.