Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner's divorce has been less than amicable — to put things lightly. The pair have been warring over everything from prenuptial agreements to who gets to keep the pots and pans. Costner managed to boot her from a house on his property (after she drew out the process as long as possible). And Christine was spied on a beach holding hands with one of Costner's (former?) best friends.
Now, it seems, Costner has had enough of the fighting and wants to "take the high ground." We suspect he means a "moral" high ground, but the high ground is also the most advantageous position on a battlefield.
"Kevin and his lawyers have made a concerted effort to lower the temperature and stop the tide of bad publicity," a source tells Us Magazine. "He doesn't want this to be a drawn-out [divorce.]"
Sources have said that a major contributing factor to their divorce is the large amount of time Costner has spent away from his family. The 68-year-old actor has been contending with a jam-packed schedule, juggling the final season of Yellowstone as well as his upcoming Western epic film Horizon: An American Saga.
"Kevin feels betrayed by Christine, but he wants to take the high ground," adds the source. "Kevin doesn't want to waste more time fighting with Christine."
"Their marriage seemed solid and like they were in it for the long term, but the time apart clearly took a toll," says a second source. "Christine just couldn't cope."
Things have soured between them to the extent that Costner is refusing to speak with Baumgartner outright.
"They are only speaking through intermediaries," notes the source. "Kevin would rather use the silent treatment than deal with Christine directly anymore.
"Kevin doesn't hate Christine, but he does want a clean break. Of course, there are resentments and animosity, but that comes with the territory, and he's trying not to make it personal."
As the divorce wages on, the source says that Baumgartner has ammo "she can throw at Kevin." Nevertheless, the actor feels confident he won't be shaken down too severely.
"Kevin is a chess player," says the source, "and he will outplay Christine."
