Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s divorce is one of the most talked-about celebrity breakups in recent years. Since Jolie filed for divorce in September 2016, their legal battles have continued for years, involving custody disputes, financial disagreements, and property issues. While many fans once saw them as Hollywood’s golden couple, the timeline of their divorce tells a different story, one of struggle and high-stakes negotiations.
Why Did Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Get Divorced?
The divorce shocked fans when Jolie cited “irreconcilable differences” in her court filing on Monday, September 19, 2016. However, reports quickly surfaced that the split was triggered by a specific incident on a private jet. Jolie accused Pitt of being verbally and physically abusive toward their children during the flight. Though the FBI and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services investigated the case, no charges were filed against Pitt.
Speaking to Vogue India in 2020, Jolie said, “I separated for the well-being of my family. It was the right decision. I continue to focus on their healing.” That comment further hinted that the decision was based on more than just irreconcilable differences. Fans and the media continued to ask why Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt got divorced. The answer, while layered, appears to center on the health and safety of their children.
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How Long Has Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Divorce Been Ongoing?
The legal case stretched for over eight years. Though a judge declared them legally single in April 2019, their custody battle and property disagreements, including ownership of a French winery, kept them locked in courtrooms for years. From 2016 to 2024, the couple faced a series of legal motions, delays, and public tension.
In December 2024, both parties finally reached a divorce settlement. According to reports, Jolie was “relieved” that the drawn-out process had come to an end. “Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over,” her attorney said in a statement. However, Brad Pitt had a different reaction. In a 2025 interview with GQ, he said the settlement “wasn’t that major of a thing.”
Who Has Custody of the Pitt Children?
Jolie and Pitt share six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne. The custody of the children became one of the most contested issues in the divorce. Jolie initially requested full physical custody, while Pitt pushed for joint custody. In May 2021, a private judge granted Pitt more time with the children, but Jolie’s legal team later succeeded in removing that judge, citing undisclosed business ties with Pitt’s attorneys.
So, who has custody of the Pitt children now? As of 2024, four of the children are adults, and only the twins, Knox and Vivienne, are still minors. The final settlement details around custody have not been made public, but sources say Jolie maintains primary care of the remaining minors.
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What Is the Latest Update on Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s Divorce Case?
Reports say the latest fights revolve around a disagreement over their French winery, Château Miraval. Pitt accused Jolie of selling what was meant to be their estate without his agreement and called the sale “vindictive.” Lawyers for Angelina Jolie said she had the right to sell her share in the winery, as Pitt allegedly pressured her to sign an agreement that would hide some allegations made against him.
The court accepted Jolie’s claim in late 2024, so the deal went forward. Even now, Pitt is still arguing elements of the divorce in court, so there may still be tension between them.
What’s Next for Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt After Their Divorce?
Now that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s divorce is legally finalized, both stars are focusing on their individual futures. Jolie has continued her humanitarian work and directed film projects, while Pitt remains active in the entertainment industry. However, their co-parenting and legal history will likely keep them connected in some form for years to come.
Despite the pain and public scrutiny, both Jolie and Pitt seem to be aiming for stability. Their story serves as a poignant reminder that even high-profile relationships can face profound and challenging difficulties.