Exploring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's divorce Timeline as the couple settle after years of separation

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's long-running divorce dispute, marked by custody battles and abuse allegations, has concluded more than eight years after their separation. On December 31, 2024, the couple finalized their divorce, bringing an end to a protracted legal battle.

The couple, who began their relationship in 2004 and married in 2014, share six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Vivienne and Knox. After the settlement, Jolie's lawyer James Simon stated that the Girl, Interrupted actor was "exhausted" and "relieved this one part is over." Simon, confirming the news to The Associated Press on December 31, said:

"More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family. This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago."

The split culminated in tumultuous legal battles, including disputes over custody and the sale of Jolie's share in their French winery, Château Miraval. Here is a detailed timeline of their divorce proceedings.

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Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's ongoing legal battles: custody disputes

September 2016: Jolie Files for Divorce: Shortly after their second wedding anniversary, Jolie filed for divorce and cited irreconcilable differences following an alleged physical altercation onboard a private jet. The incident led Jolie to request physical custody of their six children. At the time, Brad Pitt told People:

"I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids. I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time."

April 2019: Both Become Legally Single: After three years of the filing, Jolie and Pitt were ruled legally single by a judge while continuing to finalize their divorce settlement, which included custody and financial agreements.

July 2021, Brad Pitt Loses Custody Case: Judge Ouderkirk initially awarded Brad Pitt more time with their five minor children. However, in September, Jolie's legal team successfully petitioned a California appeals court to disqualify the judge due to undisclosed prior business dealings with Pitt's legal team. Pitt's attorney called the move a stalling tactic.

October 2021, Angelina Jolie Sells Stake in Château Miraval: Jolie sold her shares in the winery they co-owned. Court documents revealed she was cleared to make the sale, with Tenute del Mondo acquiring her 50% stake for an undisclosed amount.

February 2022, Brad Pitt Sued Jolie Over the Winery Sale: Pitt filed a lawsuit, alleging Jolie violated an agreement to obtain mutual consent before selling her shares. He accused her of damaging the winery's reputation by selling to the Stoli Group and claimed her actions were intended to harm him.

August 2022, Allegations of Abuse Surface: Documents detailing the 2016 private jet incident became public. Jolie alleged Bradd Pitt "choked one of the children and struck another" and accused him of pouring alcohol on her and the children. Pitt denied the allegations, and investigations by the Los Angeles Department of Child and Family Services and the FBI concluded with no charges.

November 2023, Children in the News: Their daughter Zahara dropped Brad Pitt's last name during a sorority ceremony at Spelman College, identifying herself as Zahara Marley Jolie. Shortly after, their son Pax reportedly criticized Pitt in a Father's Day post, describing him as a "terrible and despicable person."

July 2024, Jolie Requests an End to Legal Battles: Jolie's legal team asked Pitt to drop his $67 million lawsuit related to the winery. Her lawyer stated that she wanted to:

"put their family on a clear path toward healing."

Brad Pitt's upcoming film Formula 1 (working title) is generating significant anticipation. The project marks Pitt's return to the racing genre, where he will star alongside Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, who is also producing the film.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on Top Gun: Maverick, the movie focuses on a fictional driver who is thrust into the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing.

The film is expected to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing, combining intense action sequences with dramatic storytelling.

Formula 1 is slated for release in 2025, and fans are eagerly awaiting its debut to see how the veteran actor handles the adrenaline-fueled world of professional racing.