Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to Divorce

After 12 years (2 of which were married) Brad Pitt and Angelia Pitt-Jolie have called time on their relationship. There are numerous reports flying around with allegations of differing parenting styles, affairs with co-stars and the burdens of charity work as well as substance abuse.

The actress filed papers on Monday citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split and asking for physical custody of the couple’s six children – Maddox, age 15; Pax, aged 12; Zahara, aged 11; Shiloh, aged 10; and twins Vivienne and Knox, aged eight.  She is also asking to keep “miscellaneous jewelry and other personal effects” as well as any earnings from after the date of their separation and other separate assets to be determined later. Pitt has since stated “I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well being of our kids”.  Wise words indeed.

Early Legal Advice Essential

The decisions that both parties make at this stage are crucial. There are reports that there will be a blood bath over the children and custody.  The uncoupled pair are both stating that they wish to keep matters as amicable as possible. Jolie will reportedly be represented by lawyer Laura Wasser, whose previous clients include Johnny Depp, Kim Kardashian, Stevie Wonder and Britney Spears.  In the case of Johnny Depp with his similar fortune (and an island) he was able to settle with Amber Heard for $7 million when it was widely accepted that he would be paying closer to $20 million.

That is a great result by anyone’s standards.  In this instance there is a fortune estimated at about $400 million the majority of which is built up from their joint property portfolio.

Contact and Residence of Children The Main Issue

For those sums of money anyone could be forgiven for losing perspective but the priority through all of this is and must be their 3 adopted and 3 natural children.  The date of separation is listed as the 15th September and in that time Angelina already has her case sorted.  Lawyers appointed, papers filed and statements issued.  Boom.

There is no point resting on your laurels. Get organised, get on the phone and get the right advice.  It will make the next few weeks and the following months far easier to bear. The easier the process is on you the easier and less painful it will be for your children. The priority in all of this.