The Protracted Divorce of Pitt and Jolie: A Closer Look**

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's divorce, announced in 2016, has taken an extraordinary eight years to resolve, marked by complex legal battles over custody and shared assets.**

The lengthy divorce saga between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt continues to draw attention, as it has now spanned eight years since their split was publicly announced in 2016. This period is significantly longer than the couple's marriage of just two years, raising questions about the reasons behind such a protracted process.

One major factor contributing to the delays has been the contentious nature of their divorce, which has involved various complicated legal disputes, particularly regarding custody arrangements for their six children and shared ownership of a French vineyard. Acknowledging the intricacies of their situation, celebrity lawyer Chris Melcher noted that this case has become notably more complex than typical divorces, often resolved within a year. "It’s clear there is more happening beneath the surface," he remarked.

Jolie and Pitt, who first met on the set of the film "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," began their romantic journey that captivated the public. They married in their vineyard—a picturesque backdrop—during 2014, but by 2016, they faced irreconcilable differences, leading Jolie to file for divorce. The decision shocked many fans, especially given their seemingly stable family life with adopted children from Cambodia, Ethiopia, and Vietnam, alongside their biological children.

Deteriorating relations came to a head following an alleged incident on a private plane, where Pitt was accused of inappropriate behavior towards one of their children. While investigations were inconclusive, this event marked the start of a tumultuous legal battle that included claims from Jolie regarding Pitt’s conduct.

Custody arrangements for the children became another major sticking point. In 2018, after much back and forth, a temporary agreement was reached, but it later unraveled, culminating in further private court battles. In 2021, a ruling granted Pitt joint custody, although procedural issues regarding the judge’s neutrality have drawn criticism, potentially leading to renewed disputes.

Another complicating aspect of the divorce is the litigation surrounding Chateau Miraval, their jointly-owned winery. Jolie's decision to sell her stake to a third party without Pitt’s consent led to further legal action from him, highlighting ongoing tensions around financial assets.

As both celebrities navigate their complex and highly public divorce, experts emphasize the profound emotional impact this extended separation has had on not just Jolie and Pitt, but also their children now aging from 16 to 23. Showbiz commentator Jeanne Wolf recently acknowledged, "The impact of such a protracted and emotionally charged process cannot be overstated."

While Jolie appears relieved that a significant chapter is closing, her lawyer reiterated the long journey ahead, stating the exhaustion felt by Jolie, yet underscoring their commitment to address remaining issues in a constructive manner. The finalization of their divorce might soon be in sight, but unresolved matters reflect ongoing challenges for the former couple and their children.