Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, once regarded as the power couple of Hollywood, have finally reached a divorce settlement nearly eight years after they announced their separation. The couple, married for just two years, has faced a complex and tumultuous divorce involving disputes over custody of their six children and the ownership of their French vineyard, Château Miraval.
Celebrity lawyer Chris Melcher remarked on the extraordinary duration of the divorce proceedings, highlighting that the extensive legal battles began with disputes over child custody before shifting focus to the vineyard they both owned. Melcher suggested that the prolonged timeline indicates deeper unresolved issues between the former couple, rather than typical divorce proceedings which can typically be settled within a year.
The emotional toll of this ordeal has rippled through the family. Co-founder of online divorce service Amicable, Kate Daly, noted the disparity between celebrity divorce cases and those of the average person, emphasizing that prolonged legal proceedings are undesirable for most. The costs associated with such drawn-out separations are usually unsustainable for individuals without extensive resources.
Jolie, 49, and Pitt, 61, initially united in 2005 on the set of the film "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," had both experienced prior marriages before they forged a relationship that blossomed into a family. Their six children range from ages 16 to 23, each adoption and birth intertwined with their evolving partnership. However, allegations of domestic conflict arose post-separation, leading to investigations but lacking legal repercussions for Pitt, who has consistently denied wrongdoing.
The public's interest in the couple's relationship contrasted sharply with the private battles they faced. Despite initial attempts at amicable resolution, the breakdown of agreements and courtroom disputes, particularly concerning custody arrangements, showcased their contentious separation. While a judge declared them legally single in 2019, the struggle to fully finalize their divorce continued, compounded by an ongoing legal dispute regarding the vineyard.
The couple's ongoing confrontation revolves around the sale of Jolie's stake in Château Miraval, which Pitt argues breached their agreement that neither would sell their interests without the other's consent. Jolie's camp has remained largely silent on this point.
Ultimately, the emotional implications of this protracted divorce have weighed heavily on all involved. As highlighted by showbiz journalist Jeanne Wolf, this challenging chapter has left lasting impacts on the children and both Jolie and Pitt. With the settlement concluded, Jolie's legal representation acknowledged the exhaustion felt by Jolie throughout this drawn-out process.
