'Yellowstone' star Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner's divorce was finalized in February 2024 after 18 years of marriage
Legal expert Christopher C. Melcher gives his thoughts on the Kevin Costner divorce proceedings
Attorney Christopher C. Melcher told Fox News Digital Kevin Costner's divorce hearing on July 5 was "stunningly quick."
Kevin Costner's ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner, is happily flashing her new sparkler while out-and-about with her fiancé, Joshua Connor.
On Jan. 30, Baumgartner and Connor were spotted in Montecito, California, smiling as he had his arm around his soon-to-be bride. Baumgartner had her arm around Connor's back, showing off her engagement ring.
Baumgartner, who finalized her divorce from the "Yellowstone" star in February 2024, wore a camel-colored long sleeve top, with a black puffer vest. She paired the look with black pants, a pair of black loafers and a white trucker hat.
Christine Baumgartner flashes engagement ring while on an outing with Joshua Connor. (MEGA)
Connor, who is a financier, wore a black half-zip sweater, dark denim jeans and black sneakers during their outing.
News of the pair's engagement rocked headlines the day before the photos were taken.
Connor reportedly proposed after an intimate dinner in Santa Barbara, California. "It was about to rain, so almost no one else was on the beach when Josh got down on one knee," a source told People at the time.
Christine Baumgartner and her fiancé, Josh Connor, are seen leaving the Honor Bar in Montecito, California, on Thursday. (MEGA)
Christine Baumgartner showed off her ring a day after the news of her engagement. (MEGA)
Romance rumors between Baumgartner and Connor sparked in July 2023 when the couple was spotted on vacation in Hawaii.
Nearly one year later, the pair confirmed their relationship while walking hand-in-hand together in Santa Barbara shortly after she finalized her divorce with Costner.
Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner were married for 18 years before their divorce. (Getty Images)
"It was about to rain, so almost no one else was on the beach when Josh got down on one knee."
— Source to People Magazine
Baumgartner filed for divorce on May 1, 2023, citing irreconcilable differences. In documents obtained by Fox News Digital, she cited April 11 as the date of separation.
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She initially requested $248,000 in monthly child support for their three children, and a judge set a temporary monthly sum of $129,755 in July, only to rule in September that Costner would be responsible for $63,209 in monthly child support payments.
Christine initially requested $248,000 a month in child support from Costner. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Connor's name became a focal point during Baumgartner and Costner's child custody payment hearing last year when Costner's legal team called into question a $20,000 loan from a "boyfriend" who they named as Josh.
Fox News Digital was in the courthouse when Baumgarter took the stand and said Connor was a longtime friend of "seven or eight years." When Rydell asked, "Is he your boyfriend?" Baumgartner replied, "No."
She recalled traveling to Hawaii in March with Connor and his daughter, and a group of friends. Costner didn’t go because "he wanted to do a speech with a hunting club." The Costners paid for the vacation home where the families stayed.
Kevin Costner was family friends with his ex-wife's new fiancé. (Getty Images)
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On July, Baumgartner traveled back to Hawaii with a group of friends and their children, including Connor and his daughter, who is "best friends" with Grace Costner, 13. Baumgartner said Connor "paid for the house."
When Rydell asked about claims Connor "gave Christine money," she said, "I can’t remember if it was before or after (the March or July trips to Hawaii.)" She continued, "He gave me $20,000."
A judge ruled that Costner would have to pay $63,209 in monthly child support payments to Baumgartner. (Getty Images)
Of the $20,000, the purse designer said, "I gave $10,000 to my mother." She then became emotional on the stand. "She was concerned about her house," Baumgartner noted.
Janelle Ash is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to
