Kevin Costner Christine Baumgartner divorce finalized contentious split

Kevin Costner and wife Christine Baumgartner are now legally divorced, ending a nine-month battle over child custody and support payments.

Kevin Costner and his wife, Christine Baumgartner, have officially ended their nearly two-decade-long marriage, as declared by a judge in Santa Barbara County court. The couple's divorce was finalized nine months after Baumgartner filed for divorce, with the judgment entered in the court records. Initially, there were disputes over child custody and support payments, leading to the possibility of a contentious trial. However, Costner and Baumgartner reached a settlement agreement in September, allowing them to avoid a trial. As part of the settlement, they will have joint custody of their three children, with Costner ordered to pay about $63,000 per month in child support. The couple, who began dating in 1998 and married in 2004, have also agreed to the terms of their divorce. Costner, known for his roles in TV's "Yellowstone" and films like "Dances With Wolves" and "The Bodyguard," has four adult children from previous relationships.