Costner Cannot Evict Estranged Wife From His Property: A Legal Battle Ensues
Kevin Costner and his estranged wife, Christine Costner, are currently entangled in a legal battle over her refusal to vacate the couple’s compound after filing for divorce in May 2022. The celebrated actor is requesting that his soon-to-be ex-wife leave the residence, citing their 2004 prenuptial agreement, which she agreed to vacate within 30 days of their divorce. However, Christine’s lawyers claim there is no legal basis for Kevin’s request.
The 2004 Prenuptial Agreement
The couple’s prenup, signed ahead of their marriage, stipulated that Christine had 30 days to vacate Kevin’s home following a divorce filing. As part of the prenup agreement, Kevin paid Christine $1 million, and she was entitled to an additional $200,000 towards a down payment on a new home. Furthermore, Kevin was obliged to cover her mortgage, property tax, and insurance for one year, in addition to contributing $30,000 toward child support obligations to assist her in securing a rental.
Legal Battle
Despite the prenup, Christine has refused to leave the compound, claiming that Kevin has not agreed to her financial demands.
Kevin’s Declaration
According to court documents published by Radar Online, Kevin claimed that he paid Christine $1 million after she filed for divorce. However, she has ignored “multiple requests” to move out of their Carpinteria, California, compound.
Christine’s Lawyer’s Allegations
In documents filed on Thursday, Christine’s lawyer, John Rydell, claimed that there was no legal basis for Kevin’s request. Rydell also alleged that Kevin is seeking to kick Christine and their three children out of the only home they have ever known. The issue is of critical importance to Christine, according to Rydell.
The Division of Custody
Kevin and Christine have agreed in principle to divide custody of their children and share expenses. He has a proposal in place and pays 100% of expenses for the children. Additionally, Kevin is negotiating a summer visitation schedule for their teenage children, Cayden Wyatt, Hayes Logan, and Grace Avery.
Financial Sparring
Since April, Christine has withdrawn $95,000 from Kevin’s bank account or charged it to his credit card for lawyer and accountant fees “without any prior notice,” Kevin claimed in his declaration.
Housing Plans
In his 2004 prenup with Christine, Kevin included a specific housing plan, noting that after his divorce from his first wife, Cindy Silva, in 1994, he found himself without a home base and unable to live in his own home. He never wanted to experience that again.
The Survey
The couple’s legal struggles have erupted amidst a flurry of backlash from the public over the recent Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan, which claims that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been mistreated by the Royal family. A YouGov survey revealed that 44% of respondents believed Prince Harry should be stripped of his royal title following the release of the documentary.
Conclusion
Kevin Costner and his estranged wife, Christine Costner, are entangled in a legal dispute over her refusal to vacate their residence, citing their 2004 prenuptial agreement. The couple’s agreement stipulated that Christine would vacate the residence within 30 days of filing for divorce. Kevin has accused her of violating the agreement, while Christine’s legal team has maintained that there is no legal basis for Kevin’s request.
FAQs
Q1. What is the source of the Costners’ legal battle?
The Costners’ legal dispute resulted from Kevin’s demand that his estranged wife vacate their property after she filed for divorce.
Q2. Does Christine have legal grounds to contest Kevin’s request?
According to Christine’s legal team, there is no legal basis for Kevin’s request that she vacate their residence.
Q3. What did Kevin claim in his declaration?
According to Kevin’s declaration, Christine has ignored his multiple requests to move out of their Carpinteria, California, home.
Q4. What led to the Costners’ prenuptial agreement?
Kevin included a specific housing plan in their prenuptial agreement after he found himself homeless following his divorce from his first wife.
Q5. Is Kevin’s case similar to Prince Harry’s?
The two situations are unrelated, as Kevin and Christine’s legal dispute is personal, while Prince Harry’s case is a public matter.