Kevin Costner Demands Estranged Wife Pay $99K in Legal Fees
In a Monday filing, Kevin Costner requested his estranged wife pay back nearly $100,000 in legal fees.
Costner's lawyers say his ex racked up his bill by refusing to leave his house after filing for divorce.
Christine Baumgartner was ultimately ordered to vacate the residence by the end of the month.
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When Kevin Costner's estranged wife refused to leave the "Yellowstone" actor's house after she filed for divorce in May, Costner asked the court to enforce a clause in their prenup forcing her to move out — and won.
Now, he wants his money back.
In a Monday filing reviewed by Insider, Costner's legal team requested Christine Baumgartner pay $99,225, plus $29 for a filing fee, to recoup the costs of the legal actions against her to get her to vacate the multi-millionaire's Santa Barbara home after a judge sided with Costner and ordered Baumgartner to find a new place to live by the end of the month.
"Respondent was required to bring a Request for Order to enforce his right, under the PMA, to sole possession and control of his separate property residence. Respondent prevailed," the filing reads. "Thus, Respondent is entitled to recover his fees and costs for enforcement of the PMA against Petitioner."
In other words — because Costner had to go through the legal headache of getting Baumgartner out, and the courts ruled in his favor, she owes him for the associated legal costs he ran up, his team argued.
A ruling has not yet been made on Costner's request.
In a tentative ruling Tuesday, Costner was ordered to pay $129,755 in monthly child support and provide an advance payment of $200,000 in legal fees and $100,000 in forensic costs that will be incurred by both parties during the divorce. The advance funds are subject to reallocation at trial.
Lawyers for Costner and Baumgartner did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment.
Both parties are set to appear in court on Wednesday.
Source: Insider
