Expert Reveals How Brad Pitt's Custody Win Was A Huge Blow For Angelina Jolie - Exclusive
The following article contains allegations of domestic violence.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's custody dispute seems to be coming to an end. Over the past five years, the former couple has fought about the custody of their minor children. According to Us Weekly, the "Maleficent" brought the heat when she again accused her actor ex-husband of domestic violence on March 12. This time around, Pitt was on the winning side after Judge Ouderkirk ruled in his favor on May 26, per Page Six, granting the pair temporary joint custody of their five minor children. Since their oldest, Maddox Jolie-Pitt, is 19 years old, he no longer needs a legal guardian.
A source told the outlet that the judge had made an "extremely detailed decision." The insider stated, "Brad was just trying to have more time with his kids — and it has been clear that [Angelina Jolie] has done everything possible to prevent this." (Per the Associated Press, Jolie is now trying to "disqualify" the judge after this ruling since he would not allow their kids to testify.)
Celebrity divorce lawyer Peter Walzer, a partner at Walzer Melcher, criticized Jolie's attempt to get Pax, Zahara, and Shiloh to testify against their father, telling Nicki Swift: "When one parent is attempting to cut off another parent's rights, they have an agenda. When they want to call their children to testify against that parent, they will do anything to destroy that parent," he claimed.
The lawyer also weighed in on Jolie's loss in court.
If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.
Celebrity divorce lawyer believes the judge ruled in the children's best interest
Celebrity divorce attorney Peter Walzer also discussed the legal win for Brad Pitt and loss for Angelina Jolie.
"The move from sole custody to joint custody is a symbolic victory for Brad Pitt, and apparently, a symbolic loss for Angelina Jolie," he told Nicki Swift, adding, "It means that under the law that he and Angelina have joint decision-making power when it comes to their children."
He also provided valuable insight into Judge Oudekirk's recent decision, noting that the judge didn't really decide in either party's favor. "The presiding officer ruled in the best interests of the children. It just happened to be that Pitt finally got joint custody."
Walzer told Nicki Swift, "Granting Pitt joint custody and more time with THEIR children is a positive step for the children and should be a warning to Jolie that it's time to get on with the business of co-parenting." He opined that "this is dragging on much longer than it should," and that he believes it's detrimental to the kids. "All the children will remember is that their childhood centered around their parents' acrimony," he said.