The ongoing legal battle between Kevin Costner and his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, has taken another twist. Baumgartner's recent request for the acclaimed "Tin Cup" actor to cover nearly $1 million in her legal fees has been met with staunch opposition from Costner's legal team.
Baumgartner's legal representatives have asserted that it would cost her $885,000 to contest the couple's prenuptial agreement in court. This move comes in the wake of Baumgartner filing for divorce earlier this year, citing April 11 as the official date of separation.
Laura Wasser, the attorney representing Costner, has responded with a detailed breakdown, suggesting that for Baumgartner's attorneys to accrue such a sum, they would need to log an astounding 1,106 hours of work, based on standard hourly rates. Wasser labeled the fee request as "nothing short of outrageous."
Further complicating matters, Baumgartner's request comes after a court ruling that upheld the validity of the couple's prenuptial agreement. Wasser criticized Baumgartner, with whom Costner shares three children - Cayden, 16, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 13, for making such a demand in light of the court's decision.
In addition to the legal fee dispute, Baumgartner has petitioned the court for child support that would ensure her children maintain a lifestyle comparable to the opulence provided by their father.
This is not the first time Wasser has taken issue with Baumgartner's legal team. In a previous court hearing, when questioned about whether Baumgartner had fully grasped the implications of the prenuptial agreement before signing, her legal team responded with an objection, citing the query as vague. Wasser retorted by offering the dictionary definition of the term "understand."
The couple's marriage, which lasted 18 years, has been under intense scrutiny since Baumgartner's divorce filing in May. The subsequent legal proceedings have been characterized by disputes over the prenuptial agreement, living arrangements, and child support provisions. An insider commented on the tumultuous separation, stating, "They're lashing out at each other. There is a lot of anger and pain... motivating their decisions. It has been hard for the children, understandably. There are a lot of emotions at play."
As the legal wrangling continues, the spotlight remains firmly on the couple, with many awaiting the next development in what has become one of Hollywood's most talked-about splits. The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for high-profile divorces in the entertainment industry.
