Kevin Costner wins big as court orders Christine Baumgartner to vacate $145M California home by July 31
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA: Christine Baumgartner, formerly married to Kevin Costner, has been instructed to vacate their shared residence. The 49-year-old designer of handbags has until the month's end to leave the $145 million mansion they once called home. Recently, she appeared solemn in Santa Barbara, California, while attending her first court hearing for their contentious divorce.
Baumgartner had previously agreed to depart the family home, but solely on her terms. In court filings, she stated her intention to leave the property on August 31, following the court date initially set for July 12. The documents reflect her willingness to vacate the premises in late August, contingent upon Costner's compliance with any support and fee orders issued by the court on July 12. Whether this hearing remains scheduled remains uncertain.
No time. No funds
According to TMZ, which reported on this development, the judge's ruling suggests a potential agreement with Costner's legal team regarding the validity and enforceability of the couple's prenuptial agreement. The prenuptial agreement stipulates that Baumgartner has one month to vacate the property if either party files for divorce. While she seems to have missed the original deadline, the judge has now granted her until July 31 to complete her move.
Baumgartner's attorneys argued in court that the new deadline of July 31 was not feasible or fair, as she lacks sufficient time and funds to find a new home. They requested an extension until August 15, but it is unclear whether the latest ruling took their plea into account. Costner has enlisted the services of renowned divorce attorney Laura Wasser, who reportedly inspired Laura Dern's lawyer character in Noah Baumbach's critically acclaimed film ‘Marriage Story’, earning Dern an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Baumgartner to vacate Costner’s $1.5 million
Wasser has vigorously defended the prenuptial agreement's validity in court, and it seems that the judge is leaning towards agreeing with her, although a final decision is yet to be reached. The hearing to address the document's validity is scheduled for November, and Baumgartner is anticipated to continue her challenges. The judge's initial move to enforce the agreement's provisions before a comprehensive evaluation suggests a potential recognition of the overall validity of the document.
According to TMZ, if the judge confirms the prenup's validity, Baumgartner will be obligated to return the $1.5 million she received from Costner. Additionally, she may be required to cover his attorneys' fees for defending the document