What We Can Learn From Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt

Since the couple's relationship blossomed on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), the world has been closely watching Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's union. As the globetrotting family grew, fans watched in amazement as the couple seemed to take their family everywhere they went – it was beautiful.

Even though Brad and Angelina seemed to have all the money in the world and the "perfect" relationship, it too buckled under the same pressures that many couples face.

Brangelina proved to adoring fans that Hollywood's elite aren't immune to the daily struggles of marriage experienced by everyday couples. The struggles of raising children and maintaining a successful career are demanding, and even the wealthiest celebrities can be put to the test.

Brangelina's Joint Statement

On Jan. 9, the couple released a joint statement to the Associated Press saying that they were going to use a private judge and keep the details of their divorce confidential.

"The parties and their counsel have signed agreements to preserve the privacy rights of their children and family by keeping all court documents confidential and engaging a private judge to make any necessary legal decisions and to facilitate the expeditious resolution of any remaining issues," they said in the statement.

This statement was a step in the right direction and it was the first of its kind to be released by the actors since Jolie Pitt filed for divorce in September.

Custody Has Been the Focus of the Divorce

Since the petition was filed, custody of the couple's six children has been the primary focus of the divorce. Initially, Jolie Pitt sought sole physical custody of their children, which is not an easy feat in California because the state encourages joint custody in divorce cases.

Pitt has been quoted many times saying that Jolie Pitt would never get full custody of the children and that the children need their father. We have to agree with Pitt's point; it's very difficult to obtain sole physical custody of one's children when the other parent is loving and stable and wants to be a part of the children's lives.

As long as both parents are good people who want to be involved in their children's lives, it's unrealistic for one parent to assume that they will gain sole physical custody. This is not a popular concept with the family courts.

So, if you're getting a divorce and your spouse is saying that he or she will get full custody and you'll never see the children again, just remember Brad and Angelina and realize that it's likely an empty threat that won't be backed by the courts.

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