California Divorce: Lessons from Hollywood

A recent Hollywood divorce, Kevin Costner’s divorce from Christine Baumgartner, is an interesting case study of issues that can arise in a California divorce. This article will provide divorce takeaways, supported by a summary some of the interesting facets of this high-profile divorce with facts sourced from news reported by usmagazine.com

If you were blindsided by a divorce, you are in good company with Kevin Costner.

  • Costner and Baumgartner were married for over 19 years when she filed for divorce. 
  • A few months prior to the divorce filing, Costner posted his regrets for having to miss the 2023 Golden Globes and stated that his wife had a beautiful dress and he was looking forward to walking down the read carpet with her.  
  • An anonymous source cited by US said that Costner was “deeply saddened” and was “blindsided by the split.”

A prenuptial agreement may not keep you out of court. 

  • Costner and Baumgartner reportedly had a prenuptial agreement, but this did not prent a court battle over where Baumgartner would live and personal possessions. 
  • Costner alleged in June 2023 court documents that in spite of a prenuptial agreement requiring her to move out within 30 days of filing for divorce, Baumgartner was refusing to move out of the marital home. 
  • The court subsequently ordered Baumgartner to vacate the marital home. 

It is not uncommon for a spouse to withdraw assets just prior to a divorce. 

  • Usmagazine.com cited court documents where Costner claimed that his estranged wife withdrew from his bank account and charged to his credit card a total of $95,000 for her divorce attorneys and accountant. 

One spouse may be more impacted financially by divorce than the other. 

  • Baumgartner claimed in June 2023 court documents cited by Us that she has no personal income and argued that she should not be ordered to leave the family home because she does not have enough money to ensure the children can maintain similar standards of living in the parties’ respective homes. 

One or both parties may be petty during the divorce process. 

  • According to Usmagazine.com, Baumgartner filed court docs in July 2023 claiming that Costner was worries she was going to take too many pots and pans when she moved out. 
  • The magazine also reported that Baumgartner alleged that Costner was kicking his children out of the home and was not willing to commit to paying an appropriate amount of child support.
  • As per Usmagazine.com, Costner reportedly denied he was kicking is children out of their home and claimed to be requesting the Christine vacate the separate property home and find alternative living arrangements.   

Contact an Experienced California Divorce Attorney

If some of these challenging circumstances from Hollywood divorce feel familiar to you as you contemplate or continue the divorce process, you are not alone. If Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner are emotionally and financially challenged by the divorce process, then it isn’t surprising that most other people have struggles with divorce. At the Law Office of David Knecht, we are here to help you! We understand the emotional and financial challenges that you will face, and we will use our extensive experience with family law to help support you and walk you through the legal challenges. Contact us today at 707-451-4502.