Kevin Costner says he still has love for ex Christine Baumgartner despite ongoing and 'horrible' divorce proceedings

• Kevin Costner commented on his divorce after a court hearing in Santa Barbara, California, on Friday.
• The actor confirmed he still has love for soon-to-be ex-wife Christine Baumgartner, Access reported.

Actor Kevin Costner offered rare public comments about his ongoing divorce proceedings with soon-to-be ex-wife Christina Baumgartner after a court hearing in Santa Barbara, California, on Friday.

The appearance was part of a two-day hearing that began on Thursday to determine how much Costner, 68, should have to give Baumgartner in monthly payments for their three kids, Cayden, 16, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 13.

The Academy Award-winning actor cracked a joke about his finances in court on Friday when Baumgartner's attorney suggested Costner was earning more money than he used to, entertainment outlet Access reported.

"We'll have to have a treasure hunt to find it," Costner quipped in reference to his alleged surplus of funds, the outlet reported.

Costner called back to the joke on his way out of the courthouse on Friday, according to Access.

"Were you laughing? I wasn't. This is a horrible place to be, but this is where we're at," he told reporters.

"It feels so bad," he added. "We're talking about somebody I love on the other side."

When asked, he confirmed to Access that he "still has love" for Baumgartner, saying he thinks "everyone" is hopeful the divorce is resolved soon.

Costner and Baumgartner wed in 2004. She filed for divorce in May after 18 years of marriage and the couple's separation has become increasingly acrimonious as their attorneys seek to settle finances.

Attorneys for Baumgartner on Friday requested $161,592 in child support from Costner, media outlets reported, down from her initial ask of $248,000. Costner's team has maintained that any amount beyond $63,209 is unnecessary and just disguised spousal support.

Baumgartner's attorney, John Rydell, argued on Friday that the couple's children are accustomed to a life of luxury that is "in their DNA at this point," People reported.

Costner last month accused his ex of intentionally prolonging divorce proceedings by using stalling tactics following months of back-and-forth between their lawyers.