Christine’s lawyer says Kevin Costner can’t legally kick her kids out of the house

by Kevin Costner estranged woman, Christine Baumgartnerclaimed the actor has no “legal” right to kick her – and their three children – out of the family’s old home.

“This RFO (request for order) is trying to kick Christine and their three children out of the house where the children have lived their entire lives,” John RydelBaumgartner’s attorney, wrote in court documents obtained by Insider on Friday, June 16. “While the legal basis for Kevin’s request to evict his wife and children from their home is virtually non-existent, this is still a matter of critical concern to Christine.”

Rydell’s comments came from a Wednesday, June 14 filing by the former model. In the documents, Rydell criticized Costner’s lawyer, Laura Wasserfor not agreeing to postpone a hearing when a judge will rule on the Yellowstone star’s request to ban his ex from living on his estate in Santa Barbara, according to Insider.

Earlier this week, Us weekly confirmed that Costner, 68, has submitted documents claiming Baumgartner, 49, is refusing to leave the premises. The Bodyguard noted that the former couple’s prenuptial agreement states that Baumgartner has 30 days to vacate their property after filing for divorce.

According to Costner, the handbag designer would use the situation to force him into “various financial demands”. The Golden Globe winner said that as part of his child support obligations, he would contribute $30,000 a month for a rental home and is willing to advance an additional $10,000 for her moving expenses.

The Dancing with wolves actor also alleged that since April 2023, Baumgartner “has deducted from my bank account and charged a total of $95,000 from my credit card, payable to her divorce attorneys and forensic accountant,” according to the documents obtained by Us at the time. The California resident noted that the alleged action was “done without any prior notice to me.”

“Kevin is simply asking that Christine fulfill her obligations to him by moving out of his separate residence. He has offered financial assistance to ease the transition,” the petitioner claims, adding that Costner “has continued to pay 100% of the children’s expenses.”

Us confirmed in May that Baumgartner had filed for divorce from Costner after nearly 19 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. According to the court documents, Baumgartner stated that the couple broke up on April 11. They are seeking joint physical and legal custody of their children: sons Cayden, 15, and Logan, 14, and daughter Grace, 12. (The Oscar winner also shares daughters Annie, 39, and Lily, 36, and son Joe, 35, with ex -woman Cindy Silva and son Liam, 27, with ex Bridget Rooney).

Costner, for his part, responded to the divorce filing through a statement from his rep in May, indicating that the split was not his decision.

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

A source told that exclusively later that month Us that the duo’s divorce was “surprising” as “everyone thought Kevin and his wife were super happy”, adding that Costner is “blindsided” but “loves his wife” and is “trying to get her back”.

The director has gambled on Baumgartner many times over the years. In January, he praised the founder of Cat Bag Couture for throwing a party at their home when he was unable to attend the Golden Globes due to flooding in Santa Barbara.

“My wife – with $30 – went to the store. I’ll never forget this, and she bought about 30 balloons because we and our family would just sit in the den and watch the Golden Globes,” Costner – who won the awards for best actor in drama series for his role in Yellowstone — gushed via Instagram a month after the awards ceremony.

Costner and Baumgartner first met in the ’90s, but didn’t start dating until several years later. Before they tied the knot, they called it off briefly before quickly reconciling.

“Fear kept me from marrying Christine. [She] wanted a child, but I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to be an effective father,” the director recalls Weekly closer in June 2018. “I woke up and thought, ‘Am I going to lose a beautiful woman who is willing to be with me until my last breath because I’m afraid to say yes to a child?’ That was all it took, sometimes you find out that the thing you fear the most will save your life.”

Costner later became outspoken about what he considers the secret to a successful marriage. “I know that sounds so simple. If you’re willing to tell someone you love them, are you willing to say sorry? You have to, even if you think you’re right,” he said Procession in May 2012.