Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt over eight years ago, marking the start of a prolonged and contentious legal battle. In a statement to Page Six, Jolie’s attorney, James Simon, explained, “Since she and the kids left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, she has concentrated on finding peace and healing for their family.”

What Led to the Prolonged Divorce Battle?
The legal process has been arduous and emotionally taxing. “Angelina is worn out, but she is glad that this particular phase is over,” Simon added.

The couple’s history dates back to 2005 when they co-starred in the film Mr. & Mrs. Smith. At the time, Pitt was married to Jennifer Aniston, but their marriage ended shortly after. Jolie, already a mother to her adopted son Maddox, expanded her family with Pitt, who joined her in adopting Zahara from Ethiopia in 2005. The following year, Pitt formally adopted Maddox and Zahara, and the couple welcomed their biological daughter, Shiloh.

In the years that followed, the couple adopted Pax from Vietnam in 2007 and had twins Knox and Vivienne in 2008. They also built a business empire, including the purchase of Château Miraval in France, where they tied the knot in 2014.

However, their fairy-tale romance began unraveling in 2016, shortly after their second wedding anniversary. The infamous private plane incident, revealed years later in 2022, involved allegations of Pitt’s aggressive behavior toward Jolie and their children. While both the FBI and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) cleared Pitt of any wrongdoing, the incident left a lasting impact.

Custody and Financial Disputes
A judge declared the pair legally single in April 2019, but custody and financial disputes dragged on for years. Initially, Pitt was awarded joint custody in May 2021, but the decision was overturned two months later due to a conflict of interest with the judge.

In October 2021, Jolie sold her 50% stake in Miraval Wines to the Stoli Group, sparking a new legal battle with Pitt, who sued her in February 2022 for breaching their agreement. Jolie countersued later that year, further complicating the divorce proceedings.

FAQs
How long did Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s divorce take?
The divorce lasted eight years, starting in September 2016 when Jolie filed. The process involved disputes over child custody, finances, and business dealings.

What were the major points of contention?
Child custody arrangements and Jolie’s sale of her stake in Miraval Wines were the most contentious issues, leading to multiple lawsuits and countersuits over alleged breaches of contractual agreements.

After years of legal wrangling, Jolie and Pitt have finally closed this chapter, allowing both to focus on the future.