Lessons to Be Learned from Kevin Costner’s Premarital Agreement

What’s a premarital agreement, how does it work, and what does Costner’s wife, Christine Baumgartner, stand to lose if she challenges theirs?

Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner at awards show.
Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner attend the Academy Awards on March 27, 2022, in Hollywood.
(Image credit: David Livingston, Getty Images)

Premarital agreements are used for at least three different reasons, only one of which is actually related to divorce. First, a well-drafted premarital agreement can be used prior to marriage to define the character of property or assets (separate or community property states) and the allocation distribution of assets and income in the event of divorce.

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John M. Goralka
Founder, The Goralka Law Firm

Founder of The Goralka Law Firm, John M. Goralka assists business owners, real estate owners and successful families to achieve their enlightened dreams by better protecting their assets, minimizing income and estate tax and resolving messes and transitions to preserve, protect and enhance their legacy. John is one of few California attorneys certified as a Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization in both Taxation and Estate Planning, Trust and Probate.