A Timeline of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's Ongoing Divorce Legal Battle

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This put up was initially revealed in 2016 and has been up to date with new info because it has turn into obtainable.

In September 2016, information broke that Angelina Jolie had filed for divorce from Brad Pitt after 11 years collectively and two years of marriage. Following their break up, the “Maleficent” actor’s lawyer, Robert Offer, stated her determination to finish her much-publicized romance with Pitt was “for the well being of the household.” Pitt launched a press release of his personal not lengthy after, telling People, “I’m very saddened by this, however what issues most now’s the well-being of our youngsters.”

Six years later, Pitt and Jolie are nonetheless working to unravel their marriage, with current revelations and allegations being levied on the former a couple of 2016 incident that preceded the couple’s break up. Keep studying to get all caught up on every thing that has unfolded between Pitt and Jolie.

1. Jolie information for divorce from Pitt. Jolie filed papers to finish their marriage on Sept. 19, 2016, citing irreconcilable variations and requesting sole bodily custody of their six youngsters, Maddox, Pax, Shiloh, Zahara, and twins Vivienne and Knox. She additionally requested the decide to grant Pitt visitation rights.
2. Jolie’s attorney, Offer, releases a statement on her behalf. After their divorce information grabbed headlines on Sept. 20, 2016, Jolie’s lawyer stated her determination to divorce was made “for the well being of the household” however didn’t reply any additional questions.
3. Pitt releases a press release. The actor spoke out in regards to the break up in a press release to People that very same day, making it clear that he was placing their youngsters first. “I kindly ask the press to provide [the kids] the house they deserve throughout this difficult time,” he stated.
4. More particulars about their divorce floor. In an unique report from Us Weekly, a supply near the pair revealed that “they fought rather a lot through the years and disagreed about many issues. . . . The combating bought worse and so they disagreed rather a lot about parenting.” The insider additionally famous that they’d additionally “combat over their schedules and politics.”
5. Jolie’s supervisor, Geyer Kosinski, releases one other assertion on her behalf. Later that week, Jolie’s supervisor informed E! News, “Angelina will at all times do what’s in one of the best curiosity of caring for her household. She appreciates everybody’s understanding of their want for privateness right now.”
6. Celebrities react to Pitt and Jolie’s stunning break up. Once the information broke, it did not take very lengthy for GIFs and memes to flood the web. Stars additionally rapidly chimed in, and Chrissy Teigen tweeted, “Brad and Angelina. How am I speculated to go to work immediately?” Meanwhile, their good friend George Clooney came upon in regards to the breakup whereas attending the Leaders’ Summit on Refugees on the United Nations. During an interview with CNN, a reporter requested him to touch upon their break up, to which he shockingly responded, “What occurred? . . . I did not know that. I really feel very sorry then. That’s a tragic story and unlucky for a household. It’s an unlucky story a couple of household. I really feel very sorry to listen to that.” Adele additionally devoted her NYC live performance to the couple, telling the viewers, “I want to handle to elephant within the room . . . But it is the tip of an period.” Courteney Cox stated the divorce is “not about” Jennifer Aniston, and Jen’s husband on the time, Justin Theroux, made an identical remark about her inclusion being “nonsense.”
7. The New York Post launched a canopy that includes a laughing Aniston. On Sept. 21, 2016, folks had been livid when The New York Post launched its Pitt and Jolie break up cowl, exhibiting a large picture of Aniston laughing hysterically. Not lengthy after, Aniston’s pal, Chelsea Handler, spoke out in regards to the breakup, saying, “Brad and Angelina at all times stated they would not get married till everybody may get married and I at all times stated I would not get married till they bought divorced, so I’m formally accepting proposals. I’m prepared.” She then continued, “There are rumors that a part of the issue was that Brad was allegedly consuming and smoking an excessive amount of weed. I ponder why he would wish to self-medicate? Maybe as a result of he may have been spending the final 12 years at Lake Como hanging out with George Clooney and Matt Damon as a substitute of being caught in a home with 85 youngsters, talking 15 completely different languages. Oh yeah, and since he married a f*cking lunatic, that is why.”
8. Marion Cotillard breaks her silence on Pitt and Jolie’s break up. On Sept. 21, 2016, Cotillard used Instagram to announce her being pregnant with longtime accomplice Guillaume Canet and shut down rumors that she had an affair with Pitt in a prolonged put up. “This goes to be my first and solely response to the whirlwind information that broke 24 hours in the past and that I used to be swept up into,” she wrote, including, “Firstly, a few years in the past, I met the person of my life, father of our son and of the infant we expect. He is my love, my greatest good friend, the one one which I want . . . And to all of the media and the haters who’re fast to cross judgment, I sincerely want you a swift restoration. Finally, I do very a lot want that Angelina and Brad, each of whom I deeply respect, will discover peace on this very tumultuous second.”
9. Pitt is investigated for youngster abuse. On Sept. 22, 2016, People reported that the actor was beneath investigation for youngster abuse by the Los Angeles Police Department and LA County Department of Children and Family Services after somebody anonymously reported that he bought “verbally abusive” and “bodily” with one among his six youngsters. The incident allegedly occurred on Sept. 14, 2016 on his and Angelina’s personal airplane, the place the remainder of the youngsters, in addition to Jolie, had been additionally current. The report additionally prompt that he had been consuming on the time of the incident. Not lengthy after the information broke, the LAPD denied the report with the assertion: “We haven’t any prison investigation that we’re actively pursuing. To my data, [Pitt talking to police] by no means occurred. And proper now, that’s the place our workplace is. We are usually not investigating any case, nor do we have now any allegations in opposition to Mr. Pitt. We perceive how rumors get spun up and hopefully we will put a couple of of them to relaxation. We haven’t any investigation involving Mr. Pitt.” People later clarified that the DCFS was nonetheless investigating Brad for youngster abuse, however the LAPD had not been concerned. TMZ additionally additional reported that the kid abuse allegations had been transferred to the FBI.
10. On Sept. 22, 2016, Pitt will get a lawyer. The Hollywood Reporter reported that the actor enlisted assist from Lance Spiegel, a household regulation lawyer from Beverly Hills, for his divorce.
11. The FBI releases an official assertion. In a press release launched to Us Weekly, the FBI responded to Pitt’s youngster abuse investigation by saying, “In response to your inquiry concerning allegations throughout the particular plane jurisdiction of the United States; particularly, an plane carrying Mr. Brad Pitt and his youngsters, the FBI is continuous to collect info and can consider whether or not an investigation on the federal stage might be pursued.”
12. Pitt backs out of an occasion and releases one other assertion. On Sept. 27, 2016, Pitt revealed he would not be attending a beforehand deliberate screening of Terrence Malick’s “Voyage of Time.” “I’m at present centered on my household scenario and do not wish to distract consideration away from this extraordinary movie,” he stated.
13. Pitt affords to take a drug take a look at. Pitt reportedly agreed to a drug take a look at, in keeping with a report from Us Weekly on Sept. 28, 2016. A authorized supply confirmed that the take a look at wouldn’t not be performed in opposition to Pitt’s will, stating, “The DCFS [Department of Community & Family Services] would not compel somebody to supply the urine pattern for the drug take a look at; it might be voluntary.”
14. Jolie hires the real-life Olivia Pope for her divorce. On Sept. 29, 2016, People confirmed that the actor employed well-known disaster supervisor Judy Smith, who impressed Kerry Washington’s character in “Scandal,” to assist along with her divorce. “Judy has been requested to seek the advice of with these working with Angelina on divorce negotiations,” a supply informed the journal. “Judy and her agency have a protracted historical past of dealing with points which have sadly garnered an excessive amount of consideration within the public eye, and he or she is aware of the right way to push in direction of resolutions which can be swift and discreet.”
15. Pitt and Jolie attain a short lived custody settlement. On Sept. 30, 2016, Us Weekly shared that the previous couple had reached a short lived custody settlement, which might be in impact for 3 weeks earlier than the LA County Department of Children and Family Services would draw up one other association or flip the jurisdiction over to the courtroom. The settlement additionally acknowledged that Jolie will get full bodily custody of their youngsters, and Pitt would have visitation rights, though hist first go to can be monitored by a therapist, who would decide if he’s allowed to then have unsupervised time with the youngsters. Jolie and Pitt additionally needed to attend particular person counseling in addition to household counseling with the youngsters, and Pitt needed to take random drug and alcohol assessments.
16. Pitt will not be prosecuted for alleged airplane incident with Jolie and Maddox. On Oct. 8, 2016, Us Weekly reported that the FBI by no means opened an investigation in opposition to Pitt as a result of there was “no case,” although TMZ stated the FBI was nonetheless engaged on gathering all of the info from the incident.
17. Pitt sees his youngsters for the primary time since asserting the break up. E! News confirmed that Pitt was capable of go to a few of his youngsters on Oct. 8, 2016, with a therapist current to observe his conduct. It’s not clear which of the youngsters had been current and which weren’t, however a second supply additionally informed E! that the therapist can be there for all of Pitt’s visits by way of Oct. 20, 2016, and that the actor fortunately volunteered to finish drug and alcohol testing (though it was not required).
18. Maddox Jolie-Pitt refuses to attend the reunion together with his dad. While Pitt reportedly “wished to verify the assembly can be the best for the youngsters,” Maddox refused to attend the household reunion and stayed with Jolie, Us Weekly reported. According to a supply near Jolie, “He selected to not go and stayed with Angie,” including, “It wasn’t filled with pleasure and happiness.”
19. Jolie and the kids are reportedly interviewed by the FBI. In an try to resolve the alleged bodily altercation that occurred between Pitt and Maddox on the airplane, the FBI reportedly visited Jolie and the youngsters at their Malibu, CA, residence on Oct. 19, 2016, in keeping with Us Weekly. Law enforcement spent three hours interviewing everybody in regards to the incident. Pitt was not current for the interview.
20. Pitt and Maddox reunite. After a month-long standoff, E! News reported that the 2 met on Oct. 20, 2016 with a therapist current.
21. Pitt and Jolie are promoting Château Miraval. According to Us Weekly, Jolie and Pitt put their property and winery within the village of Correns, France, up on the market. “The residence has been valued and goes in the marketplace any day now,” an insider revealed, including, “It at present says Jolie-Pitt on the Château Miraval bottles, and the following season’s batch could have a brand new reprinted label with no names written on it.”
22. Jolie meets with the FBI. Per Us Weekly, Jolie reportedly met with two FBI brokers in her rented residence for 4 hours on Oct. 18, 2016, answering questions in regards to the claims made in opposition to Pitt.
23. The investigation into Pitt is prolonged. On Oct. 25, 2016, Us Weekly reported that the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services had prolonged their investigation into Pitt. The investigators had been reportedly wanting into “whether or not there are further incidents or a sample which will recommend a historical past of abuse that entails multiple of Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s six youngsters.” The investigation was initially scheduled to conclude on Oct. 20, 2016.
24. Pitt seeks joint custody. NBC News confirmed on Nov. 4, 2016 that the actor filed for joint bodily custody of the kids. Jolie initially requested for sole custody once they first break up, simply permitting Pitt visitation rights. Although that may have solely been part of the non permanent custody settlement that was initially agreed to by a decide, the allegations made in opposition to Brad concerning youngster abuse definitely complicate issues.
25. Pitt and Jolie attain one other non permanent custody settlement. On Nov. 7, 2016, Jolie’s rep informed ET in a press release that “childcare professionals have inspired a authorized settlement accepted and signed by each side over every week in the past.” The settlement acknowledged that “the six youngsters will keep of their mom’s custody, and the kids will proceed therapeutic visits with their father . . . This has been decided by childcare professionals to be within the youngsters’s greatest curiosity.” Her rep continued, “We are usually not ready to debate the small print. We hope, now that it’s clear that the occasions which led to the dissolution submitting concerned minor youngsters and their wellbeing, there might be understanding of the sensitivity of the household scenario. We consider that each one sides are dedicated to therapeutic the household and ask on your consideration throughout this troublesome time.”
26. Pitt has been cleared in youngster abuse investigation. On Nov. 9, 2016, regulation enforcement sources confirmed to Us Weekly that Pitt didn’t abuse his son Maddox throughout a airplane incident again in September of that 12 months. TMZ additionally reported that the Department of Children and Family Services dominated out any stories of any patterns of misconduct on the actor’s half. Later that day, Jolie’s rep launched a statement to TMZ, saying, “Angelina stated from the start that she felt she needed to take motion for the well being of the household and is relieved that after their eight-week involvement, the DCFS is now happy the safeguards are put in place that can permit the kids to heal.”
27. The FBI closes Pitt’s youngster abuse investigation. On Nov. 22, 2016, the FBI closed its investigation into Pitt, NBC News reported. FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller launched a press release saying, “The FBI has performed a evaluate of the circumstances and won’t pursue additional investigation. No fees have been filed on this matter.”
28. Pitt’s attorneys file a movement asking a decide to seal the kids’s data because it pertains to the divorce. On Dec. 22, 2016, information of the information had been launched, alleging that Jolie’s attorneys compromised their privacy in a bid to “undercut” Pitt through the custody battle. They added that Jolie releasing “the names of [the children’s] therapists and different psychological well being professionals” violated their preliminary settlement to guard the kids’s privateness. “[She] seems to be decided to disregard even agreed upon requirements referring to the kids’s greatest curiosity,” the submitting reads.
29. Pitt spends Christmas together with his youngsters. According to Us Weekly, Pitt noticed his youngsters over the vacation weekend in 2016 for a present trade that Jolie organized. An insider informed the publication that “[Brad] gave them presents and it was cordial.”
30. Jolie’s lawyer slams Pitt. According to TMZ, in January 2017, Jolie agreed to seal courtroom paperwork associated to their six youngsters. The web site additionally stories that the actor’s lawyer filed authorized paperwork that declare Pitt solely desires to maintain the small print personal as a result of he is “terrified that the general public will study the reality.” “[Brad is trying to] deflect from [his] personal function within the media storm which has engulfed the events’ youngsters,” the doc reads. “There is little doubt that [Brad] would like to maintain your entire case personal, notably given the detailed investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dept. of Children and Family Services into allegation of abuse.”
31. Pitt and Jolie launch a joint assertion. After agreeing to seal their divorce and custody paperwork, the actors’ reps informed Us Weekly in Jan. 2017, “The events and their counsel have signed agreements to protect the privateness rights of their youngsters and household by protecting all courtroom paperwork confidential and interesting a personal decide to make any vital authorized selections and to facilitate the expeditious decision of any remaining points. The dad and mom are dedicated to behave as a united entrance to effectuate restoration and reunification.”
32. Jolie opens up about her new household dynamic. During an interview with BBC World News in February 2017, the actor was requested in regards to the break up by reporter Yalda Hakim. “I do not wish to say very a lot about that, besides to say it was a really troublesome time,” Jolie stated. “We are a household and we’ll at all times be a household, and we’ll get by way of this time and hopefully be a stronger household for it. Many, many individuals discover themselves on this scenario. My entire, my household . . . we have all being by way of a troublesome time. My focus is my youngsters, our kids . . . and my focus is discovering this manner by way of . . . I’m dealing with discovering a approach by way of to make it possible for this someway makes us stronger and nearer. It’s been a troublesome few months. Right now, I’m going by way of a second when simply all people’s in my room. Two canine, two hamsters and two youngsters in the mean time. It’s great. But, often, I simply get up attempting to determine who’s going to get [the] canine out, who’s going to begin the pancakes and did anyone brush their enamel.”
33. Pitt and Jolie are speaking once more. According to Us Weekly, the previous couple had been again on talking phrases roughly six months after their breakup. “They are in a spot the place they’ll put anger or damage apart to deal with their youngsters and the way they plan to coparent.” Pitt additionally “misplaced a ton of weight” within the wake of their divorce, nevertheless it doubtless wasn’t all because of stress. “He’s specializing in himself once more, watching what he eats and has a chef making him wholesome meals. He’s exercising. He’s been outside rather a lot, mountain climbing and strolling. He’s had a variety of time to deal with himself,” an insider revealed.
34. Pitt opens as much as GQ in an enormous approach. In his first interview because the break up announcement, Pitt talked about his divorce in GQ in 2017, admitting he was going to remedy, and talking about his alcohol use. He additionally bought extremely sincere about his household being “ripped aside” however solely had good issues to say about Jolie.
35. Jolie will get candid about her “troublesome” break up from Pitt. In Vanity Fair’s September 2017 subject, the actor opened up about her divorce from Pitt, saying, “Things bought unhealthy. I did not wish to use that phrase . . . Things grew to become ‘troublesome.’ . . . [Our lifestyle] was not in any approach a damaging. That was not the issue. That is and can stay one of many great alternatives we’re capable of give our kids . . . They’re six very strong-minded, considerate, worldly people. I’m very happy with them.” She additionally revealed that along with hypertension, she developed Bell’s palsy (a situation ensuing from harm to facial nerves), which brought about one aspect of her face to droop. “Sometimes ladies in households put themselves final till it manifests itself in their very own well being,” she defined. Jolie credited acupuncture for her full restoration.
36. Jolie and Pitt attain a brand new non permanent custody settlement. According to Us Weekly, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County decided that “not having a relationship with their father” can be “dangerous” to their six youngsters. The courtroom stated that the youngsters “are protected with their father” and that it’s “vital that every of them have a wholesome and powerful relationship” with each of their dad and mom. However, Maddox is basically free to go along with both mother or father as a result of he is older. The former couple was requested to rearrange a cellphone name between them, their youngsters, and two psychologists “to clarify the Summer schedule.” Pitt had bodily custody of the minor youngsters (apart from Maddox) for 4 hours a day from June 8, 2018 to June 17, 2018 in London, the place Jolie was dwelling on the time.
37. Jolie and Pitt’s custody battle takes a nasty flip. In courtroom paperwork obtained by ET in August 2018, Jolie accused Pitt of not paying youngster help for a 12 months and a half and acknowledged that she’s planning to get a courtroom order to demand that he pay it. “The purpose of Angelina’s routine courtroom submitting is to supply closure to the wedding in a approach that clears a path towards the following stage of their lives and permits her and Brad to recommit as devoted co-parents to their youngsters,” Jolie’s spokesperson Mindy Nyby informed the outlet. Pitt fired again, claiming he had paid Jolie over $9 million since their break up. However, Jolie’s lawyer informed People that “a mortgage will not be youngster help.”
38. Jolie and Pitt’s custody battle heads to trial. According to paperwork obtained by E! News, the previous couple’s trial began on Dec. 4, 2018. Retired Judge John Ouderkirk was appointed to the case, a steady dispute over custody of their youngsters. “They’re nonetheless working collectively in direction of an out of courtroom settlement,” a supply informed the outlet. “Angelina will not be in search of sole custody of the youngsters, she nonetheless helps the reconciliation of the kids with their father.”
39. Jolie and Pitt meet up twice amid their contentious divorce. The former couple met up twice in January 2019 as a part of their “ongoing course of to work by way of issues concerning the youngsters and the divorce.” According to Us Weekly, “they’ve established a basis that’s enabling the method to maneuver ahead in a way more considerate and peaceable method.”
40. Jolie and Pitt turn into legally single. In April 2019, a decide dominated that the 2 could be legally divorced earlier than they finalize their settlement.
41. Pitt confirms his sobriety. During a Jan. 2020 speech on the National Board of Review Awards, Pitt stated he was nonetheless sober whereas thanking Bradley Cooper. Pitt stated of Cooper, “I bought sober due to this man and day by day has been happier ever since. I really like you and I thanks.”
42. Pitt loses the extra custody time he was granted together with his youngsters. Judge Ouderkirk awarded Pitt extra time together with his and Jolie’s 5 youngest youngsters in May 2021. A 3-judge panel disqualified Ouderkirk from the case simply three months later, although, per People, alleging that the decide had hidden connections to Pitt’s attorneys. Pitt’s further time privileges had been subsequently revoked. A consultant for Pitt informed the outlet that “Brad believes there may be overwhelming proof that the present scenario is not good for the youngsters. This simply units issues again for everybody.”
43. Jolie sells her stake in her and Pitt’s vineyard. In August 2021, Jolie offered her stake in Château Miraval, the $164 million French vineyard she and Pitt owned, to wine firm Tenute del Mondo. According to courtroom paperwork obtained by People, Jolie was cleared to promote the shares a month previous to the sale.
44. Pitt sues Jolie for promoting her stake within the vineyard. In February, Pitt sued Jolie over her determination to place her stake in Château Miraval in the marketplace. Court paperwork obtained by People revealed that Pitt alleged he had not signed off on the sale. In one other June courtroom submitting, he claimed that Jolie “sought to inflict hurt” on him by transferring ahead with the sale.
45. New FBI data reveal extra particulars about Pitt’s 2016 airplane incident. In August, multiple outlets revealed that utilizing the identify “Jane Doe,” Jolie requested the discharge of FBI investigative data in regards to the 2016 flight that led to her divorce. The data, obtained by Rolling Stone, embody an excerpt of an interview the place Jolie alleges to authorities that Pitt “grabbed her by her head,” “pushed her into the toilet wall,” punched the ceiling of the airplane, and “poured beer on [Jolie] and the blanket she was beneath.” Jolie additionally alleged that she feared Pitt was going to assault the kids and stated she held him in a chokehold to restrain him. Her allegations didn’t result in prison fees, as beforehand detailed.
46. Jolie information a countersuit in opposition to Pitt. In October, Jolie’s former enterprise Nouvel countersued Pitt for greater than $250 million in damages, claiming that Pitt had been “waging a vindictive warfare” in opposition to Jolie since their 2016 divorce, per The New York Times. The paperwork alleged that Pitt had “masterminded a so-far-successful plan” to manage Château Miraval. They additionally claimed that he had “frozen Nouvel out of Château Miraval and treats it as his private fiefdom,” and stated he had made last-minute calls for of Jolie after spending months negotiating along with her so she may promote her shares within the vineyard. The paperwork additionally contained extra particulars in regards to the airplane incident, together with an allegation that Pitt had “choked one of many youngsters and struck one other within the face.” A supply talking on behalf of Pitt informed People, “This is simply the most recent in a collection of deliberate efforts to misdirect, recycle and reposition the reality of what has occurred over the past six years, considering that affordable folks can be duped by these apparent misrepresentations.” Neither Pitt nor Jolie has responded to POPSUGAR’s request for remark in regards to the newest lawsuit.
47. Jolie information case administration assertion after making a cross-complaint. The new courtroom submitting, filed in December and obtained by People, learn: “Ms. Jolie contends that Plaintiffs’ causes of motion are frivolous, malicious and a part of a problematic sample, and he or she has filed a Cross-Complaint for declaratory reduction in search of affirmation of her associated rights.” It continued: “In specific, Plaintiff Pitt’s allegations that he and Ms. Jolie had a secret, unwritten, unstated contract to a consent proper on the sale of their pursuits within the property is instantly opposite to the written file and, amongst different authorized defects, violative of the Statute of Frauds and public coverage.”