Kevin Costner's children are so used to living in luxury, it's 'in their DNA at this point,' says his estranged wife's attorney as she requests over $160,000 a month in child support
- Kevin Costner and his estranged wife appeared in court for a hearing over child support on Thursday.
- Christine Baumgartner choked up on the stand when asked about Costner's ranch where they wed.
Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner appeared in a Santa Barbara, California, courtroom on Thursday for a hearing over child support — which gave some insight into how their children live, as reported by multiple outlets.
The two-day hearing, which continues Friday, is expected to determine how much Costner, 68, should give his soon-to-be ex-wife in monthly payments for their three kids: Cayden, 16; Hayes, 14; and Grace, 13.
Entertainment Tonight and People reported that Baumgartner's lawyers had set their latest request to $161,592 a month after a forensic accountant's latest assessment of the "Yellowstone" star's cash flow. Baumgartner initially wanted $248,000 per month.
However, Costner's team has maintained that the amount is far beyond what is necessary, stating in documents filed on Wednesday and seen by Entertainment Tonight that "the reasonable needs of the children are fully met by a child support order of $63,209 per month" and that "support greater than that amount is simply disguised spousal support."
Baumgartner's attorney, John Rydell, argued that the reason his client needed more money was to replicate and maintain the lifestyle the couple's children had been exposed to, stating that living a life of luxury was "in their DNA at this point," People reported.
When it came time for the former handbag designer, 49, to take to the stand, she became emotional while discussing her and Costner's former life together, the reports said.
Entertainment Tonight reported that Baumgartner choked back tears when the questioning shifted to Costner's Dunbar Ranch near downtown Aspen, Colorado, where the family has vacationed on numerous occasions.
The sprawling 160-acre estate is also where the couple exchanged their marriage vows in 2004. Costner bought the land for $30 million in 2000. The property, like the family's Santa Barbara home, is owned solely by him.
An eyewitness told the outlet that Baumgartner "started tearing up and reached for a tissue" when she was questioned about the property.
The judge called for the court to be adjourned for a five-minute break to allow her to regain her composure, the outlet reported.
Lawyers for Costner and Baumgartner did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Baumgartner filed divorce from the "Dances With Wolves" star in May, citing "irreconcilable differences." Since then, the pair's lawyers have been battling it out to ensure the best outcome for their respective clients.
Costner landed one early legal victory in early July when a Santa Barbara county judge ordered Baumgartner to move out of the couple's $145 million beachfront property, following a clause set out in their prenuptial agreement from their 2004 marriage.
In late July, Baumgartner made good on her promise to vacate the former couple's home, and court documents seen by Entertainment Tonight said she had leased a four-bedroom house in nearby Montecito for $40,000 for six months.