Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, once considered the modern era's top A-list couple, were married for two years, but it took eight years after announcing their divorce to finalize a settlement. This extended timeline, four times longer than their marriage, can be attributed to the complex and contentious nature of their divorce proceedings, which involve disputes over their children and a jointly owned French vineyard.
According to Angelina Jolie's lawyer, the unresolved issues continue to prolong the process, describing it as "a long ongoing process." Celebrity lawyer Chris Melcher noted the unprecedented length of the divorce settlement, primarily due to prolonged custody battles and the dispute over their winery. He suggested that the extended duration may stem from an underlying inability to move forward and a desire for retribution.
Kate Daly, co-founder of online divorce company Amicable, highlighted the exceptional nature of this high-profile case compared to average divorce scenarios. She pointed out that the couple's substantial resources enabled them to sustain a lengthy legal battle, a luxury most people cannot afford.
Angelina Jolie, 49, and Brad Pitt, 61, met on the set of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" in 2005, where their friendship blossomed into a relationship. Both had previous marriages, with Pitt to Jennifer Aniston and Jolie to Jonny Lee Miller and Billy Bob Thornton. Together, they share six children, including biological and adopted offspring, reflecting their deep commitment as parents.
The couple's divorce, initiated by Jolie citing "irreconcilable differences" in 2016, followed a high-profile incident involving an alleged altercation on a private plane, which Pitt denied. Despite the acrimonious custody battles and legal complexities, both parties expressed a commitment to amicable resolution and privacy.
While the divorce seems to be nearing completion, unresolved issues remain, notably regarding the disputed vineyard ownership. Pitt is suing Jolie for selling her share without his consent, further complicating their legal entanglements.
As the prolonged legal saga nears its end, the emotional toll on their children and the couple themselves has been profound, shielded from public scrutiny by private judges overseeing the confidential proceedings. The statement from Jolie's lawyer underscores the exhausting nature of the protracted process, signaling relief that one aspect of the settlement has concluded after eight years.