Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie Child Custody Dispute a Prime Example of a Case that would Benefit from Mediation

Uncontested Divorce Mediation

Posted September 26, 2016

Reports that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are getting divorced have captured the public’s attention all week. This shocking development officially puts an end to the high profile Hollywood couple popularly known as “Brangelina” after more than a decade-long relationship. While divorce papers have been filed, there is much to be resolved before this case is finalized. In particular, the couple seems to be gearing up for a child custody battle.

In the documents filed in court by Angelina Jolie, she requested sole custody of their six children. As part of her request, Brad Pitt would be granted visitation rights. Sources speaking with People Magazine have claimed Pitt will not accept this arrangement, and he will likely fight for joint custody of the children.

“Brad thinks Angelina is a great mother,” the source for People says. “But he is also a great father. There is no way he is going to be absent for any part of his kids’ lives.”

Due to the fact that this child custody dispute involves one of the highest profile celebrity couples we’ve ever encountered, a protracted battle in court would likely result in all of the details being aired on every tabloid in the country. For a couple that has already released statements asking the public to respect their privacy, this appears to be an undesirable outcome. In addition, the publicity associated with this case will undoubtedly impact their six young children, who already have enough to deal with in processing the divorce of their parents.

Fortunately, there is a simple solution that would keep this dispute private while the couple resolves the matter. If they opt for divorce mediation, they can work together to craft a custody agreement that is in the best interests of the children while keeping the details out of the public eye.

While all of the details of their pending divorce are not yet available, it certainly seems like a situation that would be perfect for mediation for several reasons:

• Angelina Jolie has not requested spousal support or child support, so these issues are somewhat of a non-factor in the divorce. That significantly reduces the important issues to be resolved.
• Both Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have expressed a desire to keep this matter as private as possible. If they fight this battle in court, every detail will be entered into public record, ensuring a situation where the public will be hanging on every development. Choosing mediation would allow the couple to keep these details private while they amicably work out an agreement that is fair for both parties.
• The primary issues to be resolved are child-related. Mediation will help the couple maintain control over the process, allowing them to arrive at a custody agreement that is in the best interests of their children. In addition, research has demonstrated that children experience a smoother transition to post-divorce life when their parents resolve their differences through mediation instead of through litigation in court.

The divorce has just been filed, and only time will tell whether they choose mediation. However, based on the circumstances associated with this high profile case, it appears that mediation would provide Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie with the most effective way to resolve not only their child custody dispute, but all other issues associated with their divorce in a way that remains private and keeps the best interests of all parties at heart.

If you are going through a divorce and would like to find out if mediation is right for you, please contact Split Simple using the form on this page or call (855) 665-9920 today to schedule your free consultation. We serve clients in Denver, Aurora, Boulder and throughout the Front Range of Colorado.