Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner have requested the court’s permission to forgo parenting classes as they approach the final stages of their divorce proceedings.
In a court document obtained by Fox News Digital, it was disclosed that Costner, 69, and Baumgartner, 49, have reached a Martial Settlement Agreement to address their custody matters. The former couple has petitioned the Santa Barbara County Court to exempt them from the mandatory P.E.A.C.E. parenting class requirement, aiming to expedite the finalization of their divorce judgment and avoid unnecessary delays.
The divorce process is pending until Judge Thomas Anderle officially approves the judgment. Sources close to the situation have indicated that Judge Anderle is expected to sign the Judgment of Dissolution within the next week.
Upon the judgment’s endorsement and entry, Costner and Baumgartner will be officially divorced. However, the specifics of their settlement remain confidential and will not be disclosed in the judgment document.
Baumgartner initiated the divorce proceedings in May 2023, and by September of the same year, the estranged couple had already reached a settlement agreement, as reported by Fox News Digital. In California, a mandatory six-month waiting period follows the initial filing before a divorce can be legally finalized.
Initially, Baumgartner had requested \(248,000 per month in child support for their three children, leading to a temporary monthly sum of \)129,755 being set by a judge in July. This amount was later adjusted to \(63,209 per month, which Costner was deemed responsible for. Prior to the legal battle, Costner had offered \)75,000 monthly for child support.
In addition to child support, Costner is solely accountable for the children’s healthcare, private school fees, extracurricular activities, and their oldest son’s car expenses. The couple shares three children together: Cayden, Hayes, and Grace.
Judge Anderle expressed in his decision that any support exceeding $63,209 per month would be considered disguised spousal support, indicating that Baumgartner could present her case for spousal support at a later time.
Following the child support dispute, the couple opted to settle the prenuptial agreement disagreement outside the courtroom.
The divorce filing by Baumgartner cited irreconcilable differences on May 1, with the date of separation noted as April 11 in documents obtained by Fox News Digital.
Before finalizing their settlement, Costner emphasized that there are no winners in such a prolonged legal battle, highlighting the complexities of life and its unpredictable nature.
Looking ahead to co-parenting arrangements, Costner expressed confidence in finding a suitable solution with Baumgartner, acknowledging her exceptional parenting skills and emphasizing the need to navigate the situation together during this challenging time.