I’ve been following the divorce proceedings of Christine Baumgartner and Kevin Costner. Although dollar amounts differ, they are quite familiar and triggering. Being a realist, I think she may be up shit creek without a paddle. She signed a horrible prenup 18 years ago that, of course, strategically favored him. Then, she chose full-time homemaking including birthing and raising 3 children. In my experience, the patriarchal family law legal system in California is unquestionably rigged in favor of the male provider. Per the Leland’s Journal March/April 1998 (Stanford Magazine), Economist Myra Strober said “Full-time homemaking is probably the riskiest occupation around. It has no protections except the ones that the courts give it.” Courts meaning judges with unlimited discretionary power. Add to this that she left him and now vengeance, ego, and retaliation might be in play.

At some point, she likely will understand that when there’s a divorce, status changes with lifestyles impacted. Having been in a similar position, I feel empathy and compassion for her. Judging from the prenup arrangements, for her to potentially walk away with so little is ridiculous.

With full understanding of the enormity of the process she initiated, she is a courageous woman to choose freedom!