Nothing is clear-cut in a divorce settlement, but that doesn’t mean the pain and heartbreak over deciding child custody is any less bearable.
According to PEOPLE, it seems that Angelina Jolie faces losing primary custody of the six children she shares with Brad Pitt: Maddox, 16, Pax, 14, Zahara, 13, Shiloh, 12, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 9.
Apparently, as detailed in court documents, Angelina’s stake in their children’s lives could significantly lessen if she doesn’t make the effort to improve their relationship with their dad.
Angelina with the pair’s kids in Paris.
“If the minor children remain closed down to their father and depending on the circumstances surrounding this condition, it may result in a reduction of the time they spend with [Jolie] and may result in the Court ordering primary physical custody to [Pitt],” the judge allegedly has said, adding that “not having a relationship with their father is harmful to them,” and that “it is critical that each of them have a healthy and strong relationship with their father and mother.”
Brad and Ange before they separated.
The judge’s suggestion to get things started? Well, first up, that Angelina, 43, gives Brad, 54, each of his children’s mobile phone numbers and then allow him to call them at any time.
Not only that, but allegedly the judge also prohibited Ange from reading her kids’ text messages with Brad, or secretly monitor his phone calls with them.
A timeline of Brad’s upcoming visitation rights, outlined by the courts
June 8-17
Brad will get to spend up to four hours a day with his kids in London, where Ange is renting a house while shooting Malificient 2. Brad will be with one or two of the kids at a time, spending time with each of his kids at least twice a week. Ange isn’t allowed to be there with Brad and the kids during these times.
June 27-July 1
Brad will have custody of the kids for 10 hours a day, adhering to the same scheduling conditions as listed above. A child therapist is said to be required to be present during these times.
July 21-July 29
When he returns back to California, Brad will have custody of the kids, while Ange will take care of the children’s travel from London to LA, and Brad will take care of their flights back to London.
Once back in LA, Brad can decide where he gets to visit the kids, but has to ensure that therapist and doctor visits are kept up.
*Note: Maddox isn’t included in this visitation schedule because the court determined at 16 years old, he is old enough to decide how much time he wants to spend with his dad.
The famous couple split in September 2016, after over a decade together and two years of marriage.
The Oscar-winning actress reportedly filed for divorce following a fight between Brad and Maddox, while the family was aboard a private jet. Several reports have indicated that Brad was “verbally abusive” and became “physical” with the teenager as the altercation slowly spiralled out of control.
More as this story develops.
