Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's Custody Battle Nears Conclusion as Twins Turn 18
A New Chapter for Jolie and Pitt
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's lengthy legal struggle regarding their children is nearing a conclusion as their youngest twins, Knox and Vivienne, are set to celebrate their 18th birthday on July 12. This significant milestone is anticipated to have a considerable effect on the ongoing custody battles that have been ongoing since Jolie initiated divorce proceedings in September 2016, after two years of marriage. The former couple has been locked in a fierce dispute over the custody of their six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and the twins.
In earlier custody agreements, Pitt was allowed visitation while Jolie maintained primary custody. However, it has been reported that the actor's relationship with his children has declined over time, resulting in a "very limited" connection with the family. Notably, some of the children have opted to remove 'Pitt' from their last names, indicating the strained relationships within the family.
During the ongoing divorce proceedings, there have been claims that Jolie has kept the children away from Pitt, especially those who were once closest to him. While these allegations have been made, they remain unverified. In April 2022, Jolie reportedly filed an anonymous lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act to access documents related to a specific incident, but she later withdrew the lawsuit in September 2024.
The couple's separation, which followed a decade-long relationship and a brief marriage, was overshadowed by allegations of domestic abuse during a private jet flight from France to the United States in September 2016. Pitt has consistently denied these claims. In the years since, he has openly discussed the difficulties he faced during that time, including his choice to stop drinking alcohol, stating, "It was a difficult time. I needed rebooting. I needed to wake the f--k up in some areas."
As the twins near adulthood, the resolution of their custody arrangements may mark a new beginning for both Jolie and Pitt. The outcome of their legal disputes could redefine their family dynamics and offer a clearer path for their children as they transition into adulthood.