Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Reach Divorce Settlement After Years Long Dispute

After an arduous eight-year legal battle, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have officially reached a divorce settlement. This marks the conclusion of one of Hollywood’s most high-profile separations, which began when Jolie filed for divorce in September 2016 after two years of marriage and 12 years together. While their divorce is now final, unresolved disputes over their French winery, Château Miraval, continue to add complexity to their story.

Key Facts:

• Jolie filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences shortly after an incident aboard a private plane where Pitt was alleged to have been verbally and physically abusive. Authorities investigated the claims but filed no charges.
• The couple share six children, three of whom are adopted: Maddox (23), Pax (21), Zahara (19), Shiloh (18), and twins Knox and Vivienne (16).
• In 2019, their divorce was bifurcated, allowing them to be declared legally single even as custody and property disputes remained unresolved.
• Disputes over Château Miraval, a $164 million winery, have led to additional lawsuits, with Pitt suing Jolie for selling her share to a Russian oligarch-linked company.

The Legal Journey: Jolie’s filing in September 2016 was followed by years of acrimony, including public accusations, court battles, and appeals. One of the most contentious issues involved custody arrangements for their children. In 2017, both parties agreed to seal sensitive court documents to protect their family’s privacy. Despite this, legal filings continued to expose the fraught relationship between the two.

In 2021, Judge John Ouderkirk, a private judge presiding over the case, was disqualified for failing to disclose business dealings with Pitt’s attorneys. This ethical breach caused significant delays, illustrating how procedural issues can prolong already complex cases.

Custody arrangements further fueled tensions. In earlier rulings, Jolie was warned she risked losing primary custody if her children remained estranged from Pitt. Despite the contentious nature of their divorce, Jolie’s legal team emphasized her commitment to the well-being of her family, stating that her actions were aimed at ensuring their recovery and healing.

The Ongoing Battle Over Château Miraval: Although the divorce settlement resolves their marital dissolution, the legal battle over Château Miraval continues. Pitt claims Jolie sold her stake without his consent, violating an alleged agreement that neither party could sell their shares without mutual approval. Jolie’s countersuit accuses Pitt of mismanagement and a campaign to control the winery. Recent rulings have moved the case closer to trial, with both sides scoring minor legal victories in 2024.

Impact on Their Children: The protracted nature of the divorce has undoubtedly affected the couple’s children. While Jolie has refrained from speaking ill of Pitt publicly or privately, sources indicate her children have urged her to defend herself against what they perceive as abuses of power. Jolie’s emphasis on prioritizing her children’s well-being aligns with her decision to maintain a largely private stance despite years of legal wrangling.

Closing Remarks: The conclusion of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s divorce underscores the challenges of navigating high-profile separations in the public eye. While their marriage is officially dissolved, ongoing disputes over Château Miraval and allegations of past misconduct ensure their legal saga is far from over. For now, Jolie’s lawyer notes she is “exhausted but relieved” to have one part of this long process behind her.

This case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in celebrity divorces, particularly when substantial assets and child custody are at stake.