The Protracted Divorce Saga of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's divorce, which began in 2016, has stretched over eight tumultuous years, marked by intense custody disputes and business disagreements, particularly surrounding their shared vineyard. As their children grow and the legal battles unfold, both parents strive for resolution amid lingering emotional turmoil.

The highly publicized divorce between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie has captivated the world since the couple announced their separation in 2016. Now, years later, as they finally reach a settlement, questions abound as to why the legal proceedings have dragged on for so long—longer than the duration of their marriage itself.

Jolie and Pitt met in 2004 while filming the action-comedy "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" and tied the knot a decade later in a ceremony at Château Miraval in France. Despite their relatively brief marriage of two years, the aftermath has played out like a protracted legal drama, with numerous entanglements complicating the divorce process.

One major factor contributing to the delay has been the disputes over custody of their six children and the operations of their jointly owned winery. High-profile attorney Chris Melcher highlighted the atypical nature of the length, stating that eight years is extraordinarily prolonged for divorce settlements, which are typically resolved within a year.

Legal battles over custody escalated when allegations arose following an incident on a private plane, leading to investigative scrutiny but no legal repercussions for Pitt. In 2020, Jolie mentioned her decision to leave Pitt stemmed from a desire to protect their family's wellbeing. Conversely, Pitt has publicly prioritized maintaining a cooperative relationship for the sake of their children.

Over the years, Pitt and Jolie have maneuvered through the courts to negotiate custody arrangements. While they reached a custody settlement in 2018, subsequent complications emerged when a judge was dismissed amid legal controversy. Although their marital status was declared single by a judge in 2019, many issues—particularly financial interests related to their vineyard—remained unresolved.

The couple's Château Miraval vineyard, purchased in 2008, continues to be a flashpoint in their divorce. Jolie's decision to sell her share to a company linked to a Russian oligarch has led to legal action from Pitt, who contends that their original agreement prohibited such a sale without mutual consent. Jolie has yet to make a public comment regarding this matter.

As both parents endeavor to shield their children—now aged between 16 and 23—from the public fallout, the emotional impact on the family is undeniable. An industry expert noted that celebrity divorces can create an unrealistic narrative for average individuals who cannot afford lengthy legal proceedings.

Following extensive delays, Jolie’s representative confirmed that while one contract aspect is concluding, the situation remains complex. Meanwhile, Pitt and Jolie’s children continue to navigate the implications of their parents’ high-profile split as they mature and seek stability amidst the ongoing public scrutiny and legal challenges.