Judge Thomas Anderle orders Christine Baumgartner to pay $14K for failing to explain why Kevin Costner prenup should be voided
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA: In a recent legal development, Christine Baumgartner has been ordered by a Santa Barbara judge, Judge Thomas Anderle to pay a $14,000 sanction.
The judge sided with her estranged husband, Kevin Costner, who alleged that she had not provided complete information regarding her request for spousal support, per Daily Mail.
What was Kevin Costner’s prenup?
Laura Wasser, renowned as Kevin Costner's attorney, emphasized that Christine Baumgartner had been designated to receive $1.5 million as specified in the prenuptial agreement as per El Pais reports.
Baumgartner, aged 49, is seeking to challenge the spousal support terms outlined in their prenuptial agreement during an upcoming trial in November with the aim of securing alimony for herself.
She has also requested that Judge Thomas Anderle award her an estimated $855,000 to cover her anticipated attorney fees.
During the court proceedings, Judge Anderle decided to delay his ruling on the legal expenses matter until September 20, when a comprehensive hearing on the subject is scheduled.
Who is Christine Baumgartner's attorney?
John Rydell, Christine Baumgartner's attorney, urged the judge to reconsider why the prenup should be voided.
Rydell argued that Christine's attorney-client privilege would be breached if she gave detailed explanations to Costner's legal team about her desire to challenge the premarital agreement.
It's worth noting that neither Kevin Costner nor Christine Baumgartner were physically present in court. Instead, Baumgartner appeared via Zoom, dressed in an orange sweater, from her Range Rover SUV.
How much has Chris Baumgartner sought for child support?
Judge Anderle decided to reduce her child support payments from $129,000 per month to $63,000, despite her request for an increase to $161,000.
'Yellowstone' actor Kevin Costner and his soon-to-be ex-wife are scheduled to return to court later this month to hear the judge's final decision on financial responsibilities.
In the latest legal developments, Judge Anderle has denied Christine Baumgartner's request to have Kevin Costner sanctioned over alleged incomplete financial document disclosure.
Baumgartner's attorney, John Rydell, has been instructed to compile a list of the missing documents and share it with Costner's attorneys, Laura Wasser and Jacqueline Misho.
How much was Kevin Costner's legal fees?
Costner, who has incurred $644,000 in legal fees, has argued against covering Baumgartner's legal expenses in addition to his own, asserting that she is amassing resources for a potential lawsuit against him.
Baumgartner's request for $855,000 in projected legal fees includes both her current expenses and anticipated costs for the upcoming seven-day trial regarding the couple's prenuptial agreement, set to commence on November 28.
This sum comprises $575,000 for attorney fees and $280,000 for expert witnesses.
While the couple had initially expected a ruling on legal fees at the conclusion of an evidentiary hearing, Judge Anderle deferred his decision until the recent proceedings. Apart from this, his decision on child support left both Baumgartner and Costner surprised by the reduction.
Baumgartner immediately consulted with her legal team after the decision was announced.