Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt: A Timeline of Their Divorce and High-Profile Legal Battles

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, once Hollywood’s golden couple, have been locked in a bitter and highly publicized divorce battle since their separation in 2016. The former couple, who share six children, have spent years navigating custody disputes, financial disagreements, and media scrutiny. Here’s a detailed timeline of their tumultuous journey:

September 2016: Jolie Files for Divorce

Angelina Jolie shocked fans worldwide when she filed for divorce from Brad Pitt on September 20, 2016, citing irreconcilable differences. Reports at the time suggested that Jolie’s decision was influenced by concerns over Pitt’s parenting style.

The couple, who had been together since 2004 and married in 2014, requested joint custody of their six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne.

October 2016: Child Services Investigation

Shortly after the divorce filing, Pitt faced allegations of an incident involving his eldest son, Maddox, during a private flight. The Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) investigated the claims, but Pitt was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing.

November 2016: Temporary Custody Agreement

Jolie was granted temporary physical custody of the children, while Pitt was allowed supervised visitation. This arrangement marked the beginning of a contentious custody battle that would span several years.

2018: Custody Battle Intensifies

The custody dispute escalated in 2018, with Pitt filing court documents seeking increased access to the children. Jolie’s legal team accused Pitt of failing to pay sufficient child support, an allegation Pitt denied.

The court ordered Jolie to improve Pitt’s access to the children, emphasizing the importance of fostering a healthy co-parenting relationship.

2019: Divorce Finalized, Custody Disputes Continue

In April 2019, Jolie and Pitt were declared legally single, but their custody arrangements remained unresolved. The court ruled that their divorce could be finalized while other aspects, including financial disputes and custody, were still being negotiated.

2020: Château Miraval Lawsuit

The former couple’s legal battles expanded to include Château Miraval, the French winery they purchased in 2008. Jolie sold her stake in the winery to a third party, prompting Pitt to file a lawsuit in 2021, alleging that the sale violated their prior agreements.

Pitt claimed that Jolie’s actions were intended to harm the winery’s business and his involvement in the project.

2021: Maddox Testifies

Maddox, the couple’s eldest son, reportedly testified in the custody proceedings, expressing a strained relationship with Pitt. Sources suggested his testimony had a significant impact on the case.

2022: Pitt Wins Joint Custody (Temporarily)

In May 2022, a judge granted Pitt joint custody of the younger children, marking a significant victory for the actor. However, Jolie appealed the decision, arguing that the judge failed to disclose prior relationships with Pitt’s legal team. The ruling was later overturned, prolonging the legal battle.

2023: Legal Disputes Continue

The Château Miraval lawsuit and unresolved custody arrangements remained focal points of the Jolie-Pitt saga. Both parties continued to accuse each other of obstructing progress, with no clear resolution in sight.

Present Day: Focus on Family and Careers

While the legal battles rage on, Jolie and Pitt have focused on their respective careers and personal lives. Jolie remains a dedicated humanitarian and filmmaker, while Pitt continues to thrive as an actor and producer.

The Impact on Their Family

The prolonged legal disputes have undoubtedly taken a toll on the Jolie-Pitt children, who have grown up amidst their parents’ public separation. Both Jolie and Pitt have expressed their commitment to prioritizing their children’s well-being, but the ongoing tensions highlight the challenges of co-parenting after a high-profile divorce.

What’s Next?

As the legal battles continue, fans and observers hope for a resolution that prioritizes peace and healing for the family. While Jolie and Pitt’s divorce timeline has been marked by conflict, their shared commitment to their children offers a glimmer of hope for a more amicable future.