Angelina Jolie’s bid to remove the judge from her and Brad Pitt’s divorce case was unsuccessful. Most Illinois residents are likely familiar with the details of the divorce of this once high-profile celebrity couple. Jolie claimed the judge had professional and business ties with her former husband’s legal team. Ironically, it was this judge who officiated at the couple’s wedding in 2014.
The judge said he would maintain impartiality in the case, despite Jolie’s claims of bias, which she failed to prove. Jolie, 45, and Pitt, 56, parted ways in 2016 and have been enmeshed in a heated battle over custody of their six children. Pitt is apparently seeking joint custody of his children with the provision that Jolie cannot take them out of the country with his say so. Jolie, on the other hand, apparently isn’t happy with the prospect of having to get Pitt’s permission every time she wants to travel with the children.
Another court date is set for December after a private custody trial this month. Jolie has said she does not want Los Angeles to be the home base for the children. In a previous court document, the judge gave his thanks for considering issues affecting the lives of Jolie and Pitt and their kids.
Just like any divorcing couple, a former high-profile couple like Jolie and Pitt have issues that may cause dissension. In all likelihood, Illinois couples facing divorce, and have issues that speak to what is in the best interests of children, need to seek independent legal advice. When it comes to children, emotions run high, and knowledgeable legal representation is vital when considering each parent’s responsibilities.
