Kevin Costner and his wife, Christine Baumgartner, have decided to end their 18-year marriage as they filed for divorce in May. The couple, who have three children together, are scheduled to appear in court this Wednesday for a case-management conference.
Both Costner and Baumgartner have expressed their desire for joint custody of their children. Representing Costner in the proceedings is Laura Wasser, a renowned divorce attorney known for handling high-profile celebrity cases. Wasser, often referred to as “the disco queen,” has a reputation for successfully resolving the divorces of the rich and famous. Her services come at a steep price, charging $1,000 per hour (plus a $25,000 retainer as of 2016).
Wasser’s expertise extends beyond her legal prowess. She is respected for her tough but fair approach and her ability to establish a personal connection with her clients. Notably, Wasser has worked with numerous celebrities such as Britney Spears and Angelina Jolie. However, she doesn’t always advocate for divorce as the only solution.
In an interview with DailyMail TV, Wasser advised celebrities to carefully consider their actions before proceeding with a divorce. She encouraged them to be mindful of the impact it may have on their lives and the lives of those involved. Wasser emphasized the importance of approaching divorce with kindness and compassion, especially when dealing with someone they once loved deeply, reported Fox News.
Wasser’s impressive career began when she joined her father’s law firm, Wasser, Cooperman, & Mandles, after graduating from Loyola Law School. She rose through the ranks to become a partner. One of her earliest high-profile cases involved representing Stevie Wonder in a palimony suit in 2001. Her reputation and success have continued to grow since then, handling a substantial caseload of approximately 100 cases in 2022, according to The New Yorker.
Beyond her courtroom achievements, Wasser has also made significant contributions outside traditional legal practice. She founded an online divorce service called “It’s Over Easy” and has authored two books: “It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way: How to Divorce Without Destroying Your Family or Bankrupting Yourself” and “What to Expect When Getting Divorced.”
Wasser’s influence extends to the big screen as well. Speculation suggests that Laura Dern’s character, a divorce lawyer, in the acclaimed film “Marriage Story” drew inspiration from Wasser. Although Wasser did not confirm the rumor in an interview with Vulture, she did reveal that director Noah Baumbach was allowed to film in her offices. Interestingly, Wasser also represented Baumbach’s former spouse, Jennifer Jason Leigh, during their divorce.
With her extensive experience and notable successes, Laura Wasser remains a prominent figure in the realm of celebrity divorces, providing guidance and support to those navigating the complexities of ending a marriage in the public eye.
