Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt divorce: What’s at stake

By Sandra Gonzalez, CNN
Updated 9:32 AM EDT, Wed September 21, 2016
US film stars Brad Pitt (R) and Angelina Jolie (2nd L), accompanied by their children, arrive at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo on July 28, 2013. Pitt is now here for the promotion of his latest movie "World War Z". AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO (Photo credit should read YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images)
YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
US film stars Brad Pitt (R) and Angelina Jolie (2nd L), accompanied by their children, arrive at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo on July 28, 2013. Pitt is now here for the promotion of his latest movie "World War Z". AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO (Photo credit should read YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images)
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Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's divorce could turn into a custody battle, one expert told CNN

Jolie filed for divorce Monday after 2 years of marriage

(CNN) —  

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt may have made millions between them since marrying in 2014, but as the two negotiate the terms of their just-announced divorce, one expert says their biggest battle could end up being over children, not wealth.

Jolie filed for divorce Monday after separating from her husband September 15, according to court documents.

In her filing, the Jolie asked the court to grant her sole physical custody of the couple’s six children, with visitation rights for Pitt, who would retain joint legal custody.

“Children are a very precious commodity that money can’t buy,” celebrity divorce attorney Neal Hersh told CNN in an interview. “So of course if someone is saying they want to limit your time with the children and you disagree with that, that becomes an area of contention and a significant one often times.”

The couple’s children are Maddox, 15; Pax, 12; Zahara, 11; Shiloh, 10; and twins Knox and Vivienne, 8.

Cash Money Records co-founder Birdman and singer Toni Braxton sparked speculation they had ended their relationship after the pair deleted all of their photos on Instagram, were no longer following each other on social media and Braxton wrote of "starting a new chapter" on New Year's day. The pair, who went public with their relationship in 2016, announced their engagement in February 2018.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Craig Barritt/Getty Images
Cash Money Records co-founder Birdman and singer Toni Braxton sparked speculation they had ended their relationship after the pair deleted all of their photos on Instagram, were no longer following each other on social media and Braxton wrote of "starting a new chapter" on New Year's day. The pair, who went public with their relationship in 2016, announced their engagement in February 2018.
Singer and Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams announced in December that she and sports chaplain Chad Johnson had ended their engagement. The couple announced in April that they planned to marry and were the subject of the OWN reality series "Chad loves Michelle" which focused on their intensive pre-marital counseling.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Chris Frawley/OWN
Singer and Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams announced in December that she and sports chaplain Chad Johnson had ended their engagement. The couple announced in April that they planned to marry and were the subject of the OWN reality series "Chad loves Michelle" which focused on their intensive pre-marital counseling.
Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton shared on "Dancing With the Stars" that she and husband Shannon Kelley had quietly divorced in February after 27 years of marriage. The couple are the parents of four daughters.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Greg Mathieson/REX/Shutterstock
Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton shared on "Dancing With the Stars" that she and husband Shannon Kelley had quietly divorced in February after 27 years of marriage. The couple are the parents of four daughters.
Angelina Jolie Pitt filed for divorce from husband actor Brad Pitt in September 2016. The couple married in 2014, but had been together almost a decade by then. They are the parents of six children.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Angelina Jolie Pitt filed for divorce from husband actor Brad Pitt in September 2016. The couple married in 2014, but had been together almost a decade by then. They are the parents of six children.
John Cena and Nikki Bella ended their engagement in April after six years together. The WWE stars had reportedly been set to wed May 5 in Mexico.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Rachel Murray/Getty Images North America
John Cena and Nikki Bella ended their engagement in April after six years together. The WWE stars had reportedly been set to wed May 5 in Mexico.
Rapper Mac Miller and singer Ariana Grande dated for almost two years. In May Grande posted a story on Instagram which appeared to confirm reports the couple had split.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for One Love Manchester
Rapper Mac Miller and singer Ariana Grande dated for almost two years. In May Grande posted a story on Instagram which appeared to confirm reports the couple had split.
Ric Ocasek of the Cars and Paulina Porizkova attend the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cleveland in April 2018. A few weeks later Porizkova announced on Instagram that the couple have been separated for a year.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Kevin Kane/Getty Images For The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Ric Ocasek of the Cars and Paulina Porizkova attend the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cleveland in April 2018. A few weeks later Porizkova announced on Instagram that the couple have been separated for a year.
Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Tatum announced they are separating after nine years of marriage.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Kevin Winter/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Tatum announced they are separating after nine years of marriage.
The pair announced their separation in a joint statement in February. They married in 2015.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Jason Merritt/Getty Images/File
The pair announced their separation in a joint statement in February. They married in 2015.
In February comic Sarah Silverman tweeted that she and "Masters of Sex" star Michael Sheen broke up after four years. She chalked it up to their long distance relationship.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
In February comic Sarah Silverman tweeted that she and "Masters of Sex" star Michael Sheen broke up after four years. She chalked it up to their long distance relationship.
Actress-singer Jennifer Hudson and pro wrestler David Otunga have broken up, according to a statement from her rep. The pair were engaged for a decade and have a son, David Daniel Otunga, Jr., who was born in 2009.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Actress-singer Jennifer Hudson and pro wrestler David Otunga have broken up, according to a statement from her rep. The pair were engaged for a decade and have a son, David Daniel Otunga, Jr., who was born in 2009.
In September 2017, Gina Torres announced her separation from Laurence Fishburne. The couple, who were married in 2002 and share a daughter, quietly split the previous year.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Paul Morigi/WireImage
In September 2017, Gina Torres announced her separation from Laurence Fishburne. The couple, who were married in 2002 and share a daughter, quietly split the previous year.
In September 2017, Fergie and Josh Duhamel announced they were separating after eight years of marriage. "To give our family the best opportunity to adjust, we wanted to keep this a private matter before sharing it with the public," the couple said in a joint statement. "We are and will always be united in our support of each other and our family."
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: VALERIE MACON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
In September 2017, Fergie and Josh Duhamel announced they were separating after eight years of marriage. "To give our family the best opportunity to adjust, we wanted to keep this a private matter before sharing it with the public," the couple said in a joint statement. "We are and will always be united in our support of each other and our family."
Actors Chris Pratt and Anna Faris announced August 6 that they were separating after eight years of marriage. "We tried hard for a long time, and we're really disappointed," they said in separate social media posts.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Jason Merritt/Getty Images
Actors Chris Pratt and Anna Faris announced August 6 that they were separating after eight years of marriage. "We tried hard for a long time, and we're really disappointed," they said in separate social media posts.
Tom DAgostino Jr. and his reality star wife, the former Luann de Lesseps, have split. "The Real Housewives of New York City" star tweeted on August 3 that she and her husband of seven months had decided to divorce.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images
Tom DAgostino Jr. and his reality star wife, the former Luann de Lesseps, have split. "The Real Housewives of New York City" star tweeted on August 3 that she and her husband of seven months had decided to divorce.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner filed for divorce in April, almost two years after they announced they planned to. The couple took many fans by surprised when, one day after their 10th wedding anniversary, they revealed they were splitting.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner filed for divorce in April, almost two years after they announced they planned to. The couple took many fans by surprised when, one day after their 10th wedding anniversary, they revealed they were splitting.
People has reported that Tarek El Moussa and Christina El Moussa are separating following an altercation at their home earlier this year. The parents of two young children are the stars of HGTV's "Flip or Flop."
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images
People has reported that Tarek El Moussa and Christina El Moussa are separating following an altercation at their home earlier this year. The parents of two young children are the stars of HGTV's "Flip or Flop."
The back and forth relationship between Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian is over, after a Los Angeles judge finalized their divorce on December 9, 2016.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Getty Images
The back and forth relationship between Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian is over, after a Los Angeles judge finalized their divorce on December 9, 2016.
Rapper Big Sean and "Glee" actress Naya Rivera called off their engagement in April 2013, six months after announcing their plans to wed. Rivera moved on from Big Sean to marry Ryan Dorsey.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Jason Merritt/Getty Images/File
Rapper Big Sean and "Glee" actress Naya Rivera called off their engagement in April 2013, six months after announcing their plans to wed. Rivera moved on from Big Sean to marry Ryan Dorsey.
Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber announced in September 2016 that they were ending their 11-year relationship. They are the parents of two young sons.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Dan Steinberg/Invision/AP
Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber announced in September 2016 that they were ending their 11-year relationship. They are the parents of two young sons.
Actor Ricky Schroder and his wife Andrea Bernard have reportedly split after almost 24 years of marriage. The couple share four children together.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/getty images
Actor Ricky Schroder and his wife Andrea Bernard have reportedly split after almost 24 years of marriage. The couple share four children together.
People reported that singer Taylor Swift and producer Calvin Harris split after 15 months.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: James Devaney/GC Images/Getty Images
People reported that singer Taylor Swift and producer Calvin Harris split after 15 months.
Keshia Knight Pulliam's husband of only seven months, former football player Ed Hartwell, filed for divorce in July. The "Cosby Show" star said she was blindsided by the news which came soon after she announced she was pregnant with her first child.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: From keishiaknightpulliam/Instagram
Keshia Knight Pulliam's husband of only seven months, former football player Ed Hartwell, filed for divorce in July. The "Cosby Show" star said she was blindsided by the news which came soon after she announced she was pregnant with her first child.
Lady Gaga said on July 20, 2016, that she and fiance Taylor Kinney were taking a break. The singer and the actor got engaged on Valentine's Day 2015.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Lady Gaga said on July 20, 2016, that she and fiance Taylor Kinney were taking a break. The singer and the actor got engaged on Valentine's Day 2015.
In a statement, Gavin Rossdale said Monday, August 3, that he and Gwen Stefani will "will no longer be partners in marriage." He went on to say that the couple will jointly raise their three children.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Chris Polk/Getty Images
In a statement, Gavin Rossdale said Monday, August 3, that he and Gwen Stefani will "will no longer be partners in marriage." He went on to say that the couple will jointly raise their three children.
Lisa Marie Presley reportedly filed for divorce in June from her husband of 10 years, musician Michael Lockwood. He was Presley's fourth husband after Danny Keough, Michael Jackson and Nicolas Cage.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Lisa Marie Presley reportedly filed for divorce in June from her husband of 10 years, musician Michael Lockwood. He was Presley's fourth husband after Danny Keough, Michael Jackson and Nicolas Cage.
Actress Amber Heard has filed for divorce from actor Johnny Depp, according to documents obtained by CNN. Heard, 30, and Depp, 52, have been married since February 2015.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Michael Kovac/Getty Images North America/Getty Images for Art of Elysium
Actress Amber Heard has filed for divorce from actor Johnny Depp, according to documents obtained by CNN. Heard, 30, and Depp, 52, have been married since February 2015.
In May it was reported that rocker Ozzy Osbourne moved out of the Beverly Hills, California, home he shared with his wife of more than 30 years, Sharon Osbourne.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Kevin Winter/Getty Images/File
In May it was reported that rocker Ozzy Osbourne moved out of the Beverly Hills, California, home he shared with his wife of more than 30 years, Sharon Osbourne.
"How to Get Away With Murder" co-star Liza Weil has split from her husband, "Scandal" actor Paul Adelstein. According to People, the couple, who wed in 2006, separated in January. They are the parents of a daughter, Josephine, 5.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Arnold Turner/Invision/AP, Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
"How to Get Away With Murder" co-star Liza Weil has split from her husband, "Scandal" actor Paul Adelstein. According to People, the couple, who wed in 2006, separated in January. They are the parents of a daughter, Josephine, 5.
Once called the Beyonce and Jay Z of country music, singers Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton have split. The couple confirmed July 20 that they were ending their marriage after four years. Both have since moved on to new relationships.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Christopher Polk/Getty Images
Once called the Beyonce and Jay Z of country music, singers Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton have split. The couple confirmed July 20 that they were ending their marriage after four years. Both have since moved on to new relationships.
After 26 years of marriage, Narvel Blackstock and Reba McEntire divorced on October 28, after a separation of a few months, McEntire announced in late December. Though their marriage has ended, the couple will continue to work together. Blackstock is McEntire's manager.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Christopher Polk/Getty Images
After 26 years of marriage, Narvel Blackstock and Reba McEntire divorced on October 28, after a separation of a few months, McEntire announced in late December. Though their marriage has ended, the couple will continue to work together. Blackstock is McEntire's manager.
Olivier Martinez and Halle Berry announced October 27 that they've called it quits after two years of marriage. "It is with a heavy heart that we have come to the decision to divorce," the actors said in a joint statement.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Mark Davis/Getty Images
Olivier Martinez and Halle Berry announced October 27 that they've called it quits after two years of marriage. "It is with a heavy heart that we have come to the decision to divorce," the actors said in a joint statement.
Actress Kaley Cuoco and her husband, Ryan Sweeting, called it quits in 2015 after nearly two years of marriage. The couple "mutually decided" to get a divorce after 21 months of marriage, a publicist for the actress said in a statement.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics' Choice Television Awards/File
Actress Kaley Cuoco and her husband, Ryan Sweeting, called it quits in 2015 after nearly two years of marriage. The couple "mutually decided" to get a divorce after 21 months of marriage, a publicist for the actress said in a statement.
"Mad Men" actor Jon Hamm and filmmaker Jennifer Westfeldt split in 2015, according to a statement the former couple provided to People magazine. "With great sadness, we have decided to separate, after 18 years of love and shared history," the pair said. "We will continue to be supportive of each other in every way possible moving forward." The couple was not married.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Rob Kim/Getty Images
"Mad Men" actor Jon Hamm and filmmaker Jennifer Westfeldt split in 2015, according to a statement the former couple provided to People magazine. "With great sadness, we have decided to separate, after 18 years of love and shared history," the pair said. "We will continue to be supportive of each other in every way possible moving forward." The couple was not married.
Singer Avril Lavigne confirmed that she and hubby of two years Chad Kroeger separated. "It is with heavy heart that Chad and I announce our separation today," she said in 2015.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: John Parra/Getty Images
Singer Avril Lavigne confirmed that she and hubby of two years Chad Kroeger separated. "It is with heavy heart that Chad and I announce our separation today," she said in 2015.
Actress Megan Fox has filed for divorce from her husband of five years, Brian Austin Green, in 2015.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
Actress Megan Fox has filed for divorce from her husband of five years, Brian Austin Green, in 2015.
Longtime loves Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy announced August 4 that they had "made the difficult decision to terminate our romantic relationship." If this crazy couple can't make it work, what hope is there?
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Longtime loves Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy announced August 4 that they had "made the difficult decision to terminate our romantic relationship." If this crazy couple can't make it work, what hope is there?
Scott Disick and Kourtney Kardashian called it quits after nine years and three kids. According to E! (which hosts all things Kardashian), Kardashian decided to end it over the July Fourth weekend after photos surfaced of Disick with another woman.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Denise Truscello/WireImage/getty images
Scott Disick and Kourtney Kardashian called it quits after nine years and three kids. According to E! (which hosts all things Kardashian), Kardashian decided to end it over the July Fourth weekend after photos surfaced of Disick with another woman.
Amy and Matt Roloff, stars of TLC reality series "Little People, Big World," filed for divorce after 27 years of marriage.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Peter Kramer/NBC/Getty Images
Amy and Matt Roloff, stars of TLC reality series "Little People, Big World," filed for divorce after 27 years of marriage.
Actor Ed Asner has reportedly filed for divorce from wife Cindy Gilmore eight years after the couple first split. The pair married in 1998 and separated almost a decade later.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Mark Davis/Getty Images/FILE
Actor Ed Asner has reportedly filed for divorce from wife Cindy Gilmore eight years after the couple first split. The pair married in 1998 and separated almost a decade later.
After a year of "Conscious Uncoupling," Gwyneth Paltrow made her split with Chris Martin official, filing for divorce on April 20. She's seeking joint legal and physical custody of their two children. The A-list pair, who had been married for 10 years before separating in March 2014, reportedly took a "breakup-moon" in the Bahamas following their 2014 announcement.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Colin Young-Wolff/Invision/AP/File
After a year of "Conscious Uncoupling," Gwyneth Paltrow made her split with Chris Martin official, filing for divorce on April 20. She's seeking joint legal and physical custody of their two children. The A-list pair, who had been married for 10 years before separating in March 2014, reportedly took a "breakup-moon" in the Bahamas following their 2014 announcement.
"Good Morning America" co-host Lara Spencer and husband David Haffenreffer released a statement to Page Six in March 2015 stating that they had decided to divorce after 15 years of marriage. The couple have two children.
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PHOTO: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Moet & Chandon
"Good Morning America" co-host Lara Spencer and husband David Haffenreffer released a statement to Page Six in March 2015 stating that they had decided to divorce after 15 years of marriage. The couple have two children.
Mandy Moore and Ryan Adams divorced six years after tying the knot, according to People magazine. "Mandy Moore and Ryan Adams have mutually decided to end their marriage," a representative for Moore said in a statement. "It is a respectful, amicable parting of ways, and both Mandy and Ryan are asking for media to respect their privacy at this time."
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PHOTO: Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Imges/FIle
Mandy Moore and Ryan Adams divorced six years after tying the knot, according to People magazine. "Mandy Moore and Ryan Adams have mutually decided to end their marriage," a representative for Moore said in a statement. "It is a respectful, amicable parting of ways, and both Mandy and Ryan are asking for media to respect their privacy at this time."
Comedian and actor Chris Rock filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak. They have been married 19 years and have two children. "Chris Rock has filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak," Rock's attorney, Robert S. Cohen, said in a statement. "This is a personal matter and Chris requests privacy as he and Malaak work through this process and focus on their family."
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PHOTO: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for IFP/FILE
Comedian and actor Chris Rock filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak. They have been married 19 years and have two children. "Chris Rock has filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak," Rock's attorney, Robert S. Cohen, said in a statement. "This is a personal matter and Chris requests privacy as he and Malaak work through this process and focus on their family."
People reported that actress Helena Bonham Carter and her husband, director Tim Burton, called it quits after 13 years together. The pair, who worked together on films such as "Alice in Wonderland" and "Dark Shadows," "separated amicably earlier this year and have continued to be friends and co-parent their children," a rep told the magazine.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images/File
People reported that actress Helena Bonham Carter and her husband, director Tim Burton, called it quits after 13 years together. The pair, who worked together on films such as "Alice in Wonderland" and "Dark Shadows," "separated amicably earlier this year and have continued to be friends and co-parent their children," a rep told the magazine.
Actress Paula Patton filed for divorce from her husband, singer Robin Thicke, in October 2014. The couple, who mutually decided to separate in February, have one child together, Julian Fuego.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Dan MacMedan/WireImage/Getty Images
Actress Paula Patton filed for divorce from her husband, singer Robin Thicke, in October 2014. The couple, who mutually decided to separate in February, have one child together, Julian Fuego.
Kris Jenner filed for divorce from Bruce Jenner on September 22, 2014. The couple acknowledged that they separated in October. "We will always have much love and respect for each other. Even though we are separated, we will always remain best friends and, as always, our family will remain our No. 1 priority," they told E!.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Getty Images
Kris Jenner filed for divorce from Bruce Jenner on September 22, 2014. The couple acknowledged that they separated in October. "We will always have much love and respect for each other. Even though we are separated, we will always remain best friends and, as always, our family will remain our No. 1 priority," they told E!.
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PHOTO: Larry Busacca/Getty Images For The Recording Academy/File
Neil Young had more than a wife in Pegi Young; he also had a musical collaborator and a muse for some of his most classic love songs. But according to Rolling Stone, Young filed for divorce from his wife of 36 years in July 2014.
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Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
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Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas "thoughtfully and consensually" brought an end to their 20-year marriage in June 2013. The two actors released a statement announcing their breakup after reports indicated Griffith had filed for a divorce.
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Actors Evan Rachel Wood and Jamie Bell separated after nearly two years of marriage. The couple, who welcomed a son in July 2013, said in a statement that they plan to remain close friends.
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Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images/File
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Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Getty Images
Movie veteran Clint Eastwood and his wife of 17 years, Dina, separated over the summer of 2013, according to People. They have one daughter together.
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Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Jason Merritt/Getty Images
George Clooney and Stacy Keibler were going strong -- and looking hot on the red carpet -- for two years. But in July 2013, their photogenic romance came to an end.
Jane Seymour and James Keach announced the end of their 20-year union in April 2013. The couple are the parents of twin sons.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Angela Weiss/Getty Images For The Open Hearts Foundation
Jane Seymour and James Keach announced the end of their 20-year union in April 2013. The couple are the parents of twin sons.
Julianne Hough and Ryan Seacrest decided to take a break in March 2013 after more than two years together, People reported. The duo's busy schedules were to blame, but they plan to stay friends, sources told the magazine.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Julianne Hough and Ryan Seacrest decided to take a break in March 2013 after more than two years together, People reported. The duo's busy schedules were to blame, but they plan to stay friends, sources told the magazine.
In September 2012, Will Arnett and Amy Poehler separated after nine years of marriage. They have two sons.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Getty Images
In September 2012, Will Arnett and Amy Poehler separated after nine years of marriage. They have two sons.
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver separated in May 2011 after 25 years of marriage. The public has since learned of Schwarzenegger's affair with the family's housekeeper that resulted in the birth of his fifth child.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Reed Saxon-Pool/Getty Images
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver separated in May 2011 after 25 years of marriage. The public has since learned of Schwarzenegger's affair with the family's housekeeper that resulted in the birth of his fifth child.
After almost seven years together, Kate Winslet and director Sam Mendes went their separate ways in March 2010. The couple said that the split was mutual and that they would continue raising their children together.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
After almost seven years together, Kate Winslet and director Sam Mendes went their separate ways in March 2010. The couple said that the split was mutual and that they would continue raising their children together.
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman collaborated on four films together, including the controversial "Eyes Wide Shut," during their 11-year marriage. The couple split in 2001.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Dan Callister/Newsmakers/Getty images
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman collaborated on four films together, including the controversial "Eyes Wide Shut," during their 11-year marriage. The couple split in 2001.
Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins split in 2009 after 23 years together. The pair, who met on the set of "Bull Durham," have two sons but never married.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
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Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins split in 2009 after 23 years together. The pair, who met on the set of "Bull Durham," have two sons but never married.
Mia Farrow appeared in several of Woody Allen's films before the couple went their separate ways in 1992. The pair reportedly split after Farrow found out about Allen's sexual relationship with one of her adopted daughters, whom Allen married in 1997.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Diane Freed/Getty Images
Mia Farrow appeared in several of Woody Allen's films before the couple went their separate ways in 1992. The pair reportedly split after Farrow found out about Allen's sexual relationship with one of her adopted daughters, whom Allen married in 1997.
MTV "Newlyweds" Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey split in 2005 after their three-year marriage.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Evan Agostini/Getty Images
MTV "Newlyweds" Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey split in 2005 after their three-year marriage.
Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe were married for seven years before calling it quits in 2006. The pair, who have two children, finalized their divorce in 2008.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Evan Agostini/Getty Images
Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe were married for seven years before calling it quits in 2006. The pair, who have two children, finalized their divorce in 2008.
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston's seven-year romance came to an end in 2005. Speculation over whether Angelina Jolie had anything to do with the breakup added a juicy angle to the split.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston's seven-year romance came to an end in 2005. Speculation over whether Angelina Jolie had anything to do with the breakup added a juicy angle to the split.
Perhaps Hollywood's happiest divorced couple, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, split in 1998 after a 10-year relationship. They have three daughters.
Photos: Shocking celebrity splits
PHOTO: Jim Smeal/WireImage/Getty images
Perhaps Hollywood's happiest divorced couple, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, split in 1998 after a 10-year relationship. They have three daughters.

It is not yet confirmed by either Jolie or Pitt’s representatives if a prenuptial agreement was in place, but according to a Forbes estimate, the two have earned about $117.5 million since their 2014 marriage.

Hersh, who has over 40 years of experience in family law, said if a prenup exists, it would be a “thorough” document that would orchestrate the division of property in the case of divorce, including respective and joint earnings. In California, however, such agreements are prohibited from addressing issues of child custody.

“The issue here between these two folks – if there’s going to be an issue – is going to have to be with the custody of their kids,” he said.

In her filing, Jolie does not ask for spousal or child support.

Actress Angelina Jolie has filed for divorce from husband Brad Pitt, a source familiar with the filing confirmed to CNN. Pitt and Jolie got married in 2014, but their relationship became the subject of speculation in 2004, when they co-starred in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." At the time, Pitt was married to actress Jennifer Aniston. Despite recent recognition for her action movies and humanitarian works, Jolie has been in the spotlight since she was a child. Here's a look at her life.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Actress Angelina Jolie has filed for divorce from husband Brad Pitt, a source familiar with the filing confirmed to CNN. Pitt and Jolie got married in 2014, but their relationship became the subject of speculation in 2004, when they co-starred in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." At the time, Pitt was married to actress Jennifer Aniston. Despite recent recognition for her action movies and humanitarian works, Jolie has been in the spotlight since she was a child. Here's a look at her life.
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Related: Angelina Jolie’s famous divorce attorney

Jolie is represented in this case by Laura Wasser, who was also her attorney during her split Billy Bob Thornton, according to a Bloomberg profile. Her other clients have included Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Garner, and Britney Spears.

In many high-profile celebrity divorces, the terms of the split are negotiated prior to filing official documents in order to preserve discretion. This was the case when Wasser arranged the 2014 divorce of client Melanie Griffith and then-husband Antonio Banderas, according to Bloomberg.

But Hersh said Jolie’s “limiting” custody request indicates that was not the case here.

“That would tend to indicate to me that there’s going to be contentious aspects of this and that it was not completely pre-packaged, if at all,” he said.

Actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the World Premiere of Disney's "Maleficent" at the El Capitan Theatre in 2014 in Hollywood, California.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt attend the World Premiere of Disney's "Maleficent" at the El Capitan Theatre in 2014 in Hollywood, California.

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“I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the wellbeing of our kids,” Pitt said in a statement to CNN on Tuesday. “I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time.”

A representative of Jolie indicated she shares Pitt’s desire to keep their children out of the media spotlight.

“This decision was made for the health of the family,” Robert Offer, an attorney for Jolie told CNN in a statement Tuesday. “She will not be commenting at this time, and asks that the family be given their privacy during this difficult time.”