Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s prolonged custody battle seems to be concluding, with Pitt reportedly relinquishing his pursuit of shared custody of their six children. Jolie, expected to retain primary custody, faces Pitt’s ongoing lawsuit over their previously jointly-owned winery, despite most of his claims being dismissed.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend ‘The Exchange’ Premiere at the Palais Des Festivals during the 61st International Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 20, 2008. | Source: Getty Images
Brad Pitt and Angeline Jolie separated in 2016 and have been engaged in a tumultuous courtroom feud. The two share six kids, Shiloh, twins Vivienne and Knox, Zahara, Pax, and Maddox.
Shiloh, Zahara, Angeline Jolie, Vivienne, Maddox, and Knox Jolie-Pitt on the blue carpet on arrival to attend the UK Gala Screening of the film ‘Eternals’, at the BFI IMAX in London on October 27, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
After years of a bitter divorce battle Pitt and Jolie are said to be nearing the end of negotiations. As the legal saga seems to be coming to a close, reports indicate that Pitt has abandoned his pursuit of shared custody of their children.
Maddox, Vivienne, Angelina Jolie, Zahara, Shiloh, and Knox Jolie Pitt arrive for the world premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Eternals” at the Dolby theatre in Los Angeles, on October 18, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
Originally aiming for a 50/50 custody arrangement for their six children, Pitt has reportedly altered his stance on the matter, signaling a potential resolution to their prolonged legal dispute. This indicates that Angelina Jolie, aged 48, will maintain primary physical custody of the children, with visitation rights granted to Pitt.
Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and their six kids arrive at Haneda Airport in Tokyo on November 8, 2011. | Source: Getty Images
A significant factor influencing their decision is the fact that most of their children have reached adulthood. Only Shiloh, at 17, and Knox and Vivienne, both 15, remain minors, with Shiloh soon to turn 18 in May, 2024.
Angelina Jolie, Zahara Jolie Pitt, Brad Pitt, and Maddox Pitt taking a stroll on the seafront promenade in Mumbai on November 12, 2006. | Source: Getty Images
The older children—Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, and Zahara, 19—appear to have strained relationships with Pitt. Legally adults, they are no longer subject to custody agreements. Zahara now prefers to go by the name Zahara Jolie rather than Zahara Jolie Pitt, indicating a possible distancing from Pitt’s surname.
Brad Pitt and Zahara Jolie Pitt visit The Field Museum in Chicago on August 11, 2007. | Source: Getty Images
Reports suggest that Pax, their adopted son, has not communicated with Pitt since the widely publicized altercation aboard a private plane that marked the end of Pitt and Jolie’s marriage. It’s even been claimed that Pax no longer considers Pitt as a parental figure.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie attending the premiere of ‘Maleficent’ at Kensington Palace, London on August 5, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
In a private Instagram post from 2020, Pax referred to Pitt as a “despicable person,” alleging that his presence instilled fear in their younger siblings. He criticized the actor for lacking empathy and understanding of the impact of his actions on their family.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt arrive at the premiere of “Maleficent” at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California, on May 28, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
A representative from Pitt’s side had characterized the situation between him and the children as “textbook parental alienation,” suggesting that Jolie has intentionally prolonged the divorce proceedings until the children reach adulthood.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the premiere of ‘Beowulf’ in London, on November 11, 2007. | Source: Getty Images
However, friends of Jolie’s had countered this narrative, asserting that the actor bore responsibility for the rift in the family. They maintained that Jolie’s primary goal is to facilitate healing within the family and to progress beyond the current challenges.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie attends “The Normal Heart” Screening at Ziegfeld Theater in New York City, on May 12, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
Aside from child custody, since the split, the two stars have also been fighting in court over the vineyard that they once owned together. The ex-couple has been embroiled in a prolonged legal dispute concerning the Château Miraval property and their jointly-owned winemaking endeavors.
They initially acquired the property in 2008 and maintained equal ownership until 2021, when Jolie opted to sell her stake.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the screening of “Maleficent” at Kensington Palace on May 28, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
On October 5, 2021, the actress completed the sale of Nouvel, the holding company that managed her shares in Miraval, to Tenute del Mondo, the wine division of the Stoli group owned by Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler, for a sum of $67 million.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the Oscars held at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, California, on March 2, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
In February 2022, Pitt initiated legal action against Jolie for selling the winery, seeking monetary compensation, coverage of legal expenses, and the annulment of Jolie’s sale of Miraval to Shefler.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica, California, on March 1, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
In June 2023, Pitt filed additional legal paperwork alleging that his former spouse had purposefully sought to undercut him and his stake in their winery. Pitt’s legal team alleged that Jolie’s sale of her stake in the winery to Shefler was a calculated move to harm Pitt’s involvement in the company.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House in London, England, on February 16, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
After Pitt’s apparent victory on March 13, 2024, in his legal battle against Jolie, an insider familiar with the case disclosed that a court in Los Angeles, California, ruled contrary to Pitt’s expectations. Jolie’s dissent to his initial complaint resulted in the dismissal of five out of the seven claims Pitt had lodged against her.
Brad Pitt attends Breitling Squadona Mission event in Beijing, China, on November 20, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
Jolie’s attorney, Murphy, issued a statement regarding the judge’s decision on Jolie’s demurrer. Murphy stated that most of Pitt’s claims were dismissed because they lacked a legal basis.
Angelina Jolie arrives ahead of the Service of Commemoration and Dedication, marking the 200th anniversary of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on June 28, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
He emphasized that the actor’s lawsuit wasn’t primarily about a business dispute, but rather an attempt to conceal alleged serious abuse. Murphy was pleased with the judge’s ruling, which saw many of Pitt’s claims dismissed from the complaint.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the premiere of “World War Z” at Sony Centre in Berlin, Germany, on June 4, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
Murphy added, “Angelina truly harbors no ill-will toward Mr. Pitt, and hopes he will now release her from his frivolous lawsuit, stop his relentless attacks, and join her in helping their family heal in private.”
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie pose as they arrive for the Paris premiere of “World War Z” at Cinema UGC Normandie in Paris, France, on June 3, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
Brad Pitt has been given an opportunity by the court to amend and potentially bolster some of the claims that were dismissed. However, according to a source, there is skepticism regarding the actor’s ability to make these claims legally viable.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt arrive at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 15, 2012. | Source: Getty Images
So, Pitt’s and Jolie’s legal battle on shared child custody finally nears the end. However, the lawsuit Pitt filed against Jolie regarding their previously co-owned winery is still ongoing as much as most of the actor’s claims have been dismissed and the actress’s lawyer is foreseeing a win.
