Angelina Jolie shocked the world by filing for divorce from Brad Pitt after just two years of marriage, but how will their kids be affected?
In the documents filed yesterday, it was clear she wanted sole physical custody of their six kids — Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, Vivienne, 8 and Knox, 8 — but did want the judge to grant visitation rights to Pitt.
Though Jolie, 41, wanted Pitt, 52, to be given joint legal custody, a source close to the actor says he most likely won’t agree since "sole custody for either of them doesn't seem like what's best for the children.”
The insider explained to People magazine, "Brad thinks Angelina is a great mother. But he is also a great father. There is no way he is going to be absent for any part of his kids' lives."
"This will ideally be resolved, amicably, long before any sort of legal battle ensues,” the source added.
After the news broke, Brad released the following statement to 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.” Angelina released a statement through her manager, saying, "Angelina will always do what's in the best interest to protect her children. She appreciates everyone's understanding of their need for privacy at this time.”
Pitt was reportedly blindsided by Jolie’s choice to divorce. A source told Us Weekly, "Brad only found out about the divorce decision yesterday.”
Though he knew about the divorce filing about 24 hours before the news broke, Angelina had made her decision to end their marriage last week. Another insider added, "The final divorce decision was only made one week ago. An incident took place and prompted [Angelina] to act and file.”
Rumor has it that Pitt, Jolie, and their kids were planning to jet off to London this Friday, but the trip was canceled on Monday.