After many months of rumors about splitting up, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt called it quits. Jolie recently filed for divorce, and the world is waiting to see how the couple will settle child custody and support issues. Even in a divorce of an ordinary Texas couple, making decisions that will be in the best interests of each of six children will be tough.
Three of their children are adopted. Reportedly, Jolie wants sole custody of all the children, but Pitt will do what is possible to obtain joint custody. It was reported that although Pitt is actively involved in the lives of the children, Jolie claims his anger issues due to his alcohol and marijuana use pose a threat to the children.
On the other hand, Pitt asserts that Jolie exposes the children to dangerous conditions when she takes them along on her philanthropy trips to countries such as Syria, Lebanon and Iraq. Most family court judges favor joint custody over sole custody, except when there is evidence of abuse. Although there are rumors that Jolie accused Pitt of abusing the oldest child on a recent plane flight, the child said it was simply an argument.
Although Jolie apparently did not ask for spousal support, a typical spouse in a similar situation with six children will probably need some level of support. Obtaining legal counsel throughout a divorce — from the negotiations about child custody, parenting plans and visitation to securing a final judgment of divorce — may be the most appropriate step to take. An experienced Texas family law attorney can provide the necessary guidance and support to pursue the best possible outcome under the circumstances.
Source: groundreport.com, “Who Will Get Custody of the Children in Brad and Angelina Divorce?“, Jacob Maslow, Sept. 28, 2016
