Angelina Jolie has confirmed that she and Brad Pitt have reached a legal agreement regarding the custody of their six children. A representative for the actress has stated that she will continue to retain sole custody of their six children, while Brad will have "therapeutic visits".
Angelina filed for divorce in September, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the break-up. At the time, her attorney said she had done so "for the health of her family", and the 41-year-old requested sole physical custody of the children with visitation rights for Brad.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reached a custody agreement over their six children
In a new statement issued on Monday, Angelina's spokesperson said the custody agreement was reached more than a week ago in consultation with childcare specialists.
It read: "We can confirm that childcare professionals have encouraged a legal agreement accepted and signed by both sides over a week ago. In accordance with this agreement, the six children will stay in their mother's custody, and the children will continue therapeutic visits with their father. This has been determined by childcare professionals to be in the children's best interest.
"We are not in a position to discuss the details. We hope now that it is clear that the events which led to the dissolution filing involved minor children and their wellbeing, there will be understanding of the sensitivity of the family situation. We believe that all sides are committed to healing the family and ask for your consideration during this difficult time."
The actress will retain custody while Brad will have 'therapeutic visits'
The timing of the agreement is surprising given that it comes just three days after Brad filed his response to Angelina's divorce petition, requesting joint physical and legal custody of Maddox, 14, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10 and eight-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.
In his filing, the 52-year-old cited irreconcilable differences and also lists 15 September as the date of separation. It makes no mention of a pre-nuptial agreement that will decide how the pair divide their assets.