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‘They’ve been a crucial pillar of strength for Brad through his whole custody battle with Ange, and he knows he wouldn’t be celebrating right now if it wasn’t for his friends George and Amal,’ a source tells New Idea.
Amal, in particular, has been incredibly helpful and supportive with the legal details and has been able to provide Brad with plenty of insider knowledge thanks to her background as a well-known barrister.
‘Her legal knowledge is second to none and they used her expertise to help get them the right advice and choose the right strategy for taking on Ange.’
The court judgement, issued last week, ruled that after nearly two years of wrangling, Brad should be given temporary joint custody of his five youngest children – Pax, 14, Zahara, 13, Shiloh, 12, and twins Knox and Vivienne, nine – for the next few months.
Maddox, 16, is able to decide on access due to his age.
The source confirmed Brad had been ‘missing his kids like crazy’ in the months leading up to the judgement, explaining: ‘To live so close to them, but not see them often, has definitely been painful for him.’
Naturally, as a close friend, Amal, 40, has witnessed Brad’s ongoing anguish.
‘Amal was only too keen to help – now that she’s a mum she knows how important it is that both parents have a strong relationship with their kids,’ adds New Idea’s insider.
With the main battle over, Brad, 54, couldn’t wait to celebrate this victory in true Hollywood style.
With Jennifer Aniston, 49, by his side, the rumoured on-again pair invited all their mutual friends to celebrate. It was especially poignant as there have always been reports that Angelina kept her ex from keeping in touch with many of his old pals during their relationship.
‘Everyone was so excited to see Brad in particular so happy after so many months of pain and heartbreak.’
George, 57, meanwhile, is said to be delighted to have his former co-star back by his side.
‘He was never happy with Brad for cheating on Jen and made that clear to him. And he was never a fan of Ange...’
For the full story see this week's issue of New Idea - out now!
