Kevin Costner Divorce: 5 Shocking New Details About Christine Baumgartner's Engagement And The Mega-Million Dollar Settlement
The highly-publicized and contentious divorce between Hollywood icon Kevin Costner and his ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner, has officially closed its legal chapter, but the personal saga continues with dramatic new developments in late 2024 and early 2025. After an 18-year marriage and a bitter nine-month court battle, the former couple finalized their separation in February 2024, yet the fallout—particularly surrounding the contentious prenuptial agreement (PNA) and the multi-million dollar financial demands—continues to make headlines. The most recent and surprising update involves Christine Baumgartner moving on quickly, finding love, and now reportedly flashing an engagement ring from a new partner, while Costner himself is also said to be cautiously dating again.
This comprehensive deep dive explores the final, shocking details of the financial settlement, the intense child support fight that captivated the public, and the completely new romantic directions both Kevin and Christine have taken in the wake of their high-profile split. The divorce revealed unprecedented details about Costner's $400 million net worth and the extraordinary costs of maintaining their luxurious lifestyle in Santa Barbara, providing a rare look behind the curtain of a major celebrity separation.
The Full Biography and Profile of Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner
The marriage that began in 2004 brought together a cinematic legend and a successful designer. Their life together was marked by privacy and luxury, centered on their three children and vast Montecito estate, before the sudden and acrimonious split in May 2023.
Kevin Costner: The Hollywood Titan
- Full Name: Kevin Michael Costner
- Born: January 18, 1955 (Age 70 as of December 2025)
- Birthplace: Lynwood, California, U.S.
- Profession: Actor, Director, Producer, Musician (Band: Modern West)
- Notable Works: Dances with Wolves (won two Academy Awards), The Untouchables, Field of Dreams, The Bodyguard, Yellowstone.
- First Marriage: Cindy Silva (1978–1994)
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $400 Million (as revealed in divorce filings).
Christine Baumgartner: The Designer and Entrepreneur
- Full Name: Christine Anne Baumgartner
- Born: March 4, 1974 (Age 51 as of December 2025)
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Profession: Handbag Designer, Former Model, Businesswoman.
- Education: Degree in business from California State University, Fullerton.
- Key Role in Divorce: Filed for divorce in May 2023, citing "irreconcilable differences."
The Contentious Road to the Final Settlement
The divorce was anything but amicable, quickly devolving into a complex legal battle centered on the terms of their prenuptial agreement (PNA) and the staggering child support payments for their three minor children: Cayden, Hayes, and Grace. The legal filings exposed the high-stakes financial realities of a Hollywood marriage.
The Prenuptial Agreement (PNA) Showdown
The core of the initial legal fight revolved around the PNA, which stipulated that Christine had 30 days to move out of Costner’s $145 million Montecito estate after filing for divorce. She initially refused to vacate the property, leading to a court order. The PNA also outlined the financial package she would receive upon separation.
- PNA Payout: Costner was required to pay Christine $1.2 million as part of the PNA terms.
- Moving Costs: He also provided an additional $200,000 to cover her moving expenses, demonstrating an effort to expedite her departure from the family home.
The Battle Over Child Support
The fight over child support was the most dramatic public aspect of the divorce. Christine's initial request was a jaw-dropping figure that shocked the public and the court.
Christine requested $248,000 per month in child support, arguing that this amount was necessary to maintain the children's accustomed lifestyle, which included private jets, multiple luxury homes, and extensive staff.
Costner countered that his former wife was inflating the children's needs to cover her own personal expenses. While the temporary support was set at over $100,000 per month, the final, sealed settlement is believed to have landed significantly lower than her initial demand, though still a substantial sum.
New Chapters: Christine's Engagement and Kevin's Dating Life
In a major development that confirms both parties are moving on, news broke in early 2025 that Christine Baumgartner is not only dating but is now engaged to her new partner. This swift transition highlights the finality of the divorce and the beginning of new personal journeys for the former couple.
Christine and Josh Connor: From Friends to Fiancés
Christine is now engaged to financier Josh Connor, a close friend and former neighbor of the Costners in Santa Barbara. Connor, a divorced father of three, and Christine were seen together on multiple occasions, including a trip to Hawaii, sparking rumors that were later confirmed by their engagement announcement in early 2025.
The relationship transition from a long-time family friend to a romantic partner has been a major talking point in the media, underscoring the complexities of high-net-worth social circles. She has been seen happily flashing a new engagement ring while out with Connor, signaling a definitive fresh start.
Kevin Costner is Dating Again
On his end, Kevin Costner has also reportedly begun to explore the dating world. After the emotional and financial toll of the divorce, the 70-year-old actor is said to be looking for a new partner. His focus, however, remains split between his personal life and his massive professional undertaking.
The Impact of Divorce on Kevin Costner's Career and Future
The divorce proceedings coincided with a significant shift in Costner’s professional life: his high-profile exit from the hit series *Yellowstone*. While the timing fueled speculation, Costner has since directed his full attention to his passion project, the epic four-part Western film series, *Horizon: An American Saga*.
The *Yellowstone* Exit and New Focus
Costner's departure from his role as John Dutton on *Yellowstone* was a major entertainment news story. While various factors contributed, the financial and emotional pressure of the divorce was undoubtedly a distraction during this period.
He has since poured his resources and creativity into the *Horizon* project, which he has written, directed, and starred in. The film is a massive undertaking, signifying a renewed focus on his filmmaking legacy after a tumultuous personal year.
Co-Parenting and the Future
Despite the contentious nature of the divorce, both Kevin and Christine are committed to co-parenting their three children. The final settlement included a detailed co-parenting plan to ensure stability for Cayden, Hayes, and Grace. The transition to a new family dynamic, with Christine now engaged to Josh Connor, will present new challenges for co-parenting and blended families, a common theme in high-profile separations.
The Costner-Baumgartner divorce serves as a modern example of the intense scrutiny and financial complexity that accompanies the end of a long-term celebrity marriage, especially when a prenuptial agreement is involved. With both parties now in new, significant relationships, the focus shifts from the courtroom drama to their respective new chapters.
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