Amidst ongoing divorce proceedings, Kevin Costner has filed new legal documents to ensure an organized process for Christine Baumgartner's departure from their shared Santa Barbara estate and to safeguard his separate property. Costner’s legal team submitted an ex parte application seeking to prevent Baumgartner from removing any of his personal belongings from the $145 million Carpinteria compound. The application emphasizes the pre-marital agreement (PMA), which stipulates that there is no community property.

This legal action follows a court order requiring Baumgartner to vacate the residence by July 31. Costner’s filing alleges that Baumgartner intends to remove items that are not her separate property and has refused to sign a stipulation agreeing not to do so unless a written agreement is reached. Costner purchased the property prior to their marriage, and their pre-marital agreement reportedly mandates that Baumgartner vacate his properties within 30 days of a divorce filing. While Baumgartner's team argued that the challenging Santa Barbara housing market made finding a suitable new home for their three children difficult, Judge Thomas Anderle upheld the July 31 deadline.

Baumgartner's legal team has objected to the ex parte application, suggesting the parties should resolve personal property matters independently, as is typical in divorce cases, especially given the significant wealth involved. They contend that any disagreements can be addressed during the trial. Her lawyers also suggest that Costner's application is motivated by anger over a recent court ruling regarding child support and legal fees. Judge Anderle ordered Costner to pay $129,755 per month in child support, along with $200,000 in attorney's fees and $100,000 for forensic costs. Both parties will share equally in their children’s healthcare, sports, and extracurricular expenses. Baumgartner’s initial request for $248,000 per month in child support, or alternatively $217,300 based on guidelines, was not granted, nor was her request for Costner to fully cover private school tuition and other child-related costs.

Baumgartner initiated divorce proceedings on May 1, citing "irreconcilable differences," with the separation date listed as April 11, 2023. The couple, who were married for 18 years, have filed for joint custody of their three children.