Why Kevin Costner’s Ex-Wife Allegedly Regrets Filing for Divorce

Kevin Costner’s divorce from his wife of nearly two decades, Christine Baumgartner, wasn’t just another Hollywood split—it turned into a full-blown courtroom saga filled with drama, money, legal battles, and now, rumors of regret.

The couple, who tied the knot in 2004 and share three children, appeared to have a picture-perfect family life. But in April 2023, Christine filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.”

The announcement shocked fans, especially since Costner had spoken warmly about his wife in past interviews, praising her charm and the comfort she brought into his life.

Initially, it seemed the couple would part ways amicably. Both sought joint custody of their children, and the public hoped for a smooth separation. However, things quickly took a messy turn. Costner’s legal team invoked a prenuptial agreement that outlined terms for spousal support and property division. That’s when the real battle began.

Christine was ordered to vacate the family’s shared home, per the prenup, but she refused to leave without additional financial support. Despite Costner already paying over $1 million—more than required—she demanded more. He eventually agreed to cover $10,000 in moving costs and $30,000 per month for rental housing.

But it didn’t stop there. In June 2023, Christine requested a staggering $248,000 per month in child support. Her legal team argued that the funds were necessary to maintain the children’s lavish lifestyle, including private schooling and luxury vacations. This sparked immediate backlash and led to a fierce legal back-and-forth.

Costner’s team pushed back, calling the request inflated and offering instead $123,600 based on his income. A week later, he revised his offer again—this time down to $51,900. Christine’s attorneys responded by accusing Costner of wanting his kids to live well below the standard they were used to while he continued to enjoy his opulent lifestyle.

The battle continued into July, with the judge temporarily setting child support at $129,700 per month. The matter wasn’t resolved until September 1, 2023, after a tense two-day hearing where Christine reportedly broke down in court while defending her demands.

In the end, the judge ruled that Costner would pay $63,900 per month—far less than what Christine originally asked for.

Throughout the ordeal, Costner maintained a calm public image, focusing on his kids and trying to move forward. He admitted that the split left him heartbroken, saying he spent over a year crying himself to sleep and struggling with the loss of his family unit. Meanwhile, Christine was painted by many as overly demanding, and some insiders now claim she’s beginning to regret filing in the first place.

Why the regret? With public support leaning toward Costner, and after losing out on the financial terms she initially sought, it seems the reality of post-divorce life may not have lived up to Christine’s expectations. Despite the outcome, one thing is clear: what began as a private family matter quickly became one of Hollywood’s most dramatic—and emotionally charged—divorces.