Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's divorce battle rages on, stretching nearly eight years and involving a Russian oligarch and a French vineyard. Amidst Pitt's blossoming romance with Ines de Ramon, legal experts dissect the lingering issues holding up a resolution, from a contentious child custody dispute to ongoing business disagreements.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's divorce battle, once dubbed the "Brangelina" feud, has become a protracted affair, nearing eight years of legal wrangling. Despite filing for divorce in 2016 and being legally declared single in 2019, the former couple remains entangled in unresolved disputes.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's 'Brangelina' Feud: 8 Years and Still No Resolution
The child custody dispute between Pitt and Jolie has reportedly been a major hurdle in finalizing their divorce. Although the details of the custody arrangement remain confidential, Pitt was awarded 50/50 custody in 2021, which Jolie subsequently challenged. The status of their custody agreement is unclear, with only twins Vivienne and Knox remaining under the age of 18.
Another significant factor contributing to the divorce's delay is the ongoing business dispute over the couple's French winery, Miraval. Pitt sued Jolie in 2022 for breach of contract after she sold her share of the business to a Russian oligarch. This lawsuit has reportedly become a focal point in the divorce proceedings.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's 'Brangelina' Feud: 8 Years and Still No Resolution
Legal experts speculate that the intricate nature of the business dealings between Pitt and Jolie may be hindering a swift resolution. "Tangentially related" litigation can prolong a divorce settlement, as parties may require resolution of one dispute before addressing another.
Financial matters may also be playing a role in the divorce's extension. Jolie's sale of her half of Miraval reportedly earned her a substantial sum, potentially leaving a significant gap in the distribution of assets. Such large financial stakes can make reaching a settlement challenging.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's 'Brangelina' Feud: 8 Years and Still No Resolution
The decision to legally declare themselves single may also be contributing to the ongoing impasse. "If they had to still say they were married ... I think that probably would be more of a motivating factor to just get it all done," explained legal expert Sophie Jacobi-Parisi.
The lack of a resolution has psychological consequences for both parties. "They're just in an extended litigation that's more like a regular business dispute ... with your ex-spouse," said Jacobi-Parisi. "Once they were declared legally single, the divorce now 'has sort of the animosity and difficulty of processing how to get through a complicated litigation with your ex-spouse.'"
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's 'Brangelina' Feud: 8 Years and Still No Resolution
Pitt's recent relationship with Ines de Ramon has not noticeably accelerated the resolution process. Sources suggest that the couple is not rushing their relationship and does not feel the need for an engagement.
In a recent legal development, Jolie's legal team urged Pitt to "end the fighting" over Miraval. They accused Pitt of seeking punitive damages and a wider NDA covering his alleged misconduct, which they claimed was central to the proceedings.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's 'Brangelina' Feud: 8 Years and Still No Resolution
However, a source close to Pitt countered that the winery lawsuit was a "straightforward business dispute." They described Jolie's personal attacks as attempts to deflect attention from the weaknesses in her case.
As the "Brangelina" feud continues to drag on, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie search for closure and navigate the complexities of post-divorce life.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's 'Brangelina' Feud: 8 Years and Still No Resolution
