Reeling from the shock of a divorce petition from his wife Christine Baumgartner, famed actor Kevin Costner appears to be in emotional turmoil, while Christine displays a newfound freedom, according to inside sources.

The radiant 49-year-old Baumgartner was spotted around Santa Barbara, going about her daily chores, noticeably without her wedding ring - merely two days following her submission of the divorce papers citing "irreconcilable differences" as the grounds to terminate their 18-year relationship.

"Christine seems to be reveling in her newly found freedom, taking off her ring and strutting around confidently," a source claims. "It’s almost as if she’s making a public statement to Kevin that she’s moving forward without him."

On the other hand, the 68-year-old Yellowstone star, Costner, is reportedly struggling with the sudden separation initiated by his considerably younger wife. Insiders urge Costner to brace himself for a potentially challenging court battle.

Both Baumgartner, a handbag designer, and Costner have expressed their desire for joint custody of their three children, Cayden, 16, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 12. Despite this, an insider cautions, "Don't mistake this for an amicable separation. It won't be a simple divorce."

This isn't the first time Costner, a Bull Durham star, has navigated a complicated marital split. His 1994 divorce from Cindy Silva cost him a staggering $80 million. With Baumgartner, however, Costner reportedly took precautions.

"Kevin was savvy enough to have a strong prenuptial agreement in place with Christine, which could provide him some defense," reveals a source.

However, the actor, in what insiders describe as a "state of profound grief," will have to address several matters not explicitly outlined in their prenuptial agreement, including co-parenting and the allocation of their ten family dogs.

"But more than anything, he seeks an explanation," a source shared. "He hopes for some form of therapy before they rush into mediation. His friends believe it's the least he's entitled to."

Costner's personal turmoil isn't the only challenge he faces. His departure from Paramount's successful Yellowstone series, which he led for five seasons, has left his co-stars in a state of shock and reportedly ended the series prematurely.

"Kevin's decision to exit Yellowstone has ruffled quite a few feathers, but that's currently secondary," says the insider. "His primary focus is navigating this divorce. He's extremely distraught over the entire situation."