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Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Finalize Divorce Settlement

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have concluded their divorce settlement, marking a significant development in one of the most protracted and highly publicized separations in Hollywood. Despite this progress, some legal matters between the former couple remain unresolved.

The pair submitted a default declaration on Monday at the Los Angeles Superior Court, indicating that they have reached a written agreement concerning their marital and property rights. People magazine was the first to report on this settlement.

Jolie’s attorney, James Simon, commented, “More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children departed from all the properties they shared with Mr. Pitt, and since then, she has concentrated on healing and finding peace for their family. This settlement is just one aspect of a lengthy journey that began eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is worn out, but she feels relieved that this part is concluded.”

The official filing specifies that both parties relinquish any claims for spousal financial support in the future; however, it does not disclose further details. A judge’s approval is necessary to finalize the agreement. There has been no immediate response from Pitt’s attorney regarding the matter.

Jolie, aged 49, and Pitt, 61, were well-known figures in the entertainment industry for a decade, sharing two of those years as husband and wife. Together, they have six children.

In 2016, Jolie initiated divorce proceedings following an incident on a private flight where she alleged that Pitt physically mistreated her and their children. Subsequent investigations by the FBI and child services looked into the accusations; however, by the end of the investigation, the FBI determined that no further action was warranted, and no charges were brought against Pitt.

Legal Proceedings and Impact on Family

A 2022 report from the FBI indicated that a probable cause statement had been presented to prosecutors. However, it concluded that moving forward with charges would not be pursued. The document also noted that Jolie felt “personally conflicted” about pressing charges and ultimately chose not to advocate for them to preserve family unity.

Reports from 2016 revealed that the investigation by child services concluded without evidence of abuse. In 2019, a judge officially granted the divorce, but the division of assets and child custody issues required separate resolutions.

A private judge, selected by Jolie and Pitt for the divorce proceedings, reached an agreement granting both parents equal custody of their children. However, Jolie later sought to remove this judge due to an undisclosed conflict of interest, prompting the appeals court to nullify the judge’s previous ruling and necessitate restarting the custody negotiation process.

Throughout the lengthy divorce process, four of their children reached adulthood, thus eliminating the need for custody arrangements regarding them. The remaining minors are 16-year-old twins, Knox and Vivienne. Recently, one of their daughters, previously known as Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, successfully petitioned to change her name and remove Pitt’s surname.

The couple’s decision to utilize a private judge — a strategy increasingly adopted by celebrity pairs in similar situations — has helped keep many details of their divorce discreet. There had been little official activity in their case for nearly a year, leading many to wonder about the likelihood of a settlement.

However, aspects of their disputes have surfaced through ongoing legal battles, particularly Pitt’s lawsuit regarding the sale of Jolie’s stake in their shared French winery, Chateau Miraval. Pitt alleged that Jolie’s decision to sell her share was retaliatory and violated their agreement, as he was keen on purchasing her portion. He expressed that this sale undermined the personal significance of the winery to him.

Jolie has countered that Pitt’s insistence on a broad non-disclosure agreement during their negotiations was a tactic to obscure his actions towards her and their children.

The reconciliation agreement announced does not encompass the ongoing legal issues surrounding the winery dispute, which indicates that litigation between the two may persist.

Public discourse surrounding the couple has remained notably restrained, despite their promotional engagements for various projects. Pitt, during a 2017 GQ interview, acknowledged struggling with alcoholism during the time of the incident on the plane and following their separation, although he has not publicly justified his behavior.

Initially, Jolie and Pitt were regarded as one of Hollywood’s quintessential power couples, having started their relationship after co-starring in the 2005 film Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Jolie is an Academy Award winner, recognized for her role in Girl, Interrupted, while Pitt has garnered acclaim for his roles in films like Fight Club and Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, the latter winning him an Oscar and further solidifying his comeback narrative in the industry.

In the aftermath of their divorce, Jolie has stepped back from the spotlight to concentrate on her family while also pursuing her directorial ambitions. This year, she is gaining significant attention for her portrayal of the iconic diva Maria Callas in an upcoming film.

Source
globalnews.ca