The Brad Pitt Angelina Jolie custody battle has become one of Hollywood history longest and most bitter divorce fights. It began in September 2016 and continues still.

Angelina Jolie filed for divorce on September 19, 2016, citing irreconcilable differences. She requested sole physical custody of all six children, offering Brad only visitation.

An alleged altercation on a private flight from France triggered the split. The FBI investigated but filed no charges. This incident became central to the custody dispute.

In 2021, Judge Ouderkirk was disqualified for undisclosed conflicts of interest. His ruling giving Pitt more custody was vacated entirely, resetting the case to zero.

Jolie sold her 50 percent stake in their French winery without Pitt consent. He sued, claiming she violated their agreement. The financial battle rages alongside custody.

Multiple children have distanced from the Pitt surname. Shiloh legally changed her name at 18. Zahara and Vivienne also use only Jolie publicly.

Most children are now adults. The court never resolved custody because the kids aged out. Only twins Knox and Vivienne remain minors in 2026.