Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner’s Messy Divorce Timeline: Everything to Know

View gallery

Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner’s divorce constantly made headlines for several months until they reached a settlement — and finally, the legal termination of their marriage. The pair went back and forth throughout 2023 over their prenuptial agreement, child support payments and custody of their children.  

The ex-spouses finalized the divorce on February 16, 2024, according to PEOPLE, which reported that their marriage was officially over as of that date.

Keep reading to learn everything we know about Kevin and Christine’s divorce. 

Why Did Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner Get a Divorce? 

The former spouses split in mid-2023 after 18 years of marriage. Christine listed the official date of separation as April 11, 2023, in her divorce filing the following month. She also cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason behind their imminent divorce. 

The Field of Dreams actor reportedly did not want a divorce, and his rep provided a statement to multiple outlets at the time of the duo’s divorce filing. 

“It is with great sadness that circumstances beyond his control have transpired which have resulted in Mr. Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage action,” the rep said in a statement, per PEOPLE.  “We ask that his, Christine’s, and their children’s privacy be respected as they navigate this difficult time.” 

Kevin and Christine’s divorce proceedings hit several walls over the months following the pair’s separation. In June, Kevin claimed that Christine would not leave his home, despite the terms of their prenuptial agreement. Christine’s attorney, John Rydell, claimed that Kevin’s request for order sought “to kick Christine and their three children out of the house that the children have lived in for their entire lives.”  

“Although the legal basis for Kevin’s request to kick his wife and children out of their home is all but nonexistent, this is still a matter of critical importance for Christine,” the attorney added, according to Insider. Shortly thereafter, a source told PEOPLE that Christine’s lawyer’s statement was “disingenuous” and that the actor went “above and beyond in providing Christine the necessary means to find a suitable place for her to move.”

Later that month, Christine requested $248,000 per month in child support from Kevin. The Dances With Wolves actor called the request “highly inflated and unsubstantiated,” according to court documents from his response in June. By July, Christine was ordered to vacate the compound she shared with Kevin. As a result, the Oscar winner increased his monthly child support payments to just over $51,000, which Christine called, “completely inappropriate.” 

“Although Kevin has vast wealth and extraordinary income, he apparently expects his children to live far below his economic circumstances when they are with their mother,” Christine’s lawyer wrote at the time. In response, Kevin decreased the limit on Christine’s credit card later that month. 

The former husband and wife then embarked on a weeks-long war, throwing out accusations against each other and disputing over topics such as who would keep household items, including silverware. 

How Many Children Do Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner Have? 

The pair shares three children together: sons Cayden and Hayes and daughter Grace. In addition to their kids, Kevin also shares children Annie, Lily and Joe with his ex-wife Cindy Silva and a son named Liam with his ex-girlfriend Bridget Rooney. 

Did Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner Reach a Divorce Settlement? 

Nearly five months after separating, Christine and Kevin reached a settlement in their divorce, according to TMZ. It wasn’t revealed, though, how much money the handbag designer would receive from the JFK actor. “Kevin and Christine Costner have come to an amicable and mutually agreed upon resolution of all issues pertaining to their divorce proceedings,” a rep for Kevin told Entertainment Tonight in September.

Have Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner Finalized Their Divorce?

On February 15, 2024, Entertainment Tonight obtained documents confirming that the former couple had “entered into a signed written Marital Settlement Agreement resolving this matter.” Per the outlet, the former couple was excused from completing a Parent Education and Co-Parenting Effectively “P.E.A.C.E.” course upon finalization of the divorce, but they could be compelled to take the class, should future custody issues occur. Both Kevin and Christine reportedly agreed with the stipulation.

“This stipulation is entered into based on the following: The Parties have settled their dissolution proceeding and entered into a signed written Marital Settlement Agreement resolving this matter,” documents obtained by the outlet read.

Per PEOPLE, Christine and Kevin officially finalized their divorce on February 16, 2024, formally ending their marriage.