They’ve been locked in one of Hollywood’s messiest and longest divorces, but it seems Brad Pitt has finally come out on top – winning a custody arrangement with the six kids he shares with estranged wife Angelina Jolie.
Amazing new photos show daughters Shiloh and Vivienne happily playing with a friend, as sources confirm that the A-list actor won the right to have his children stay with him over Thanksgiving – and will have the brood with him again over Christmas and New Year.
And it’s clear the new custody breakthrough has gone down a treat with Brad’s young girls, who shared beaming smiles as they played at their dad’s home – a very rare sight since their parents’ September 2016 split.
‘This is a really huge breakthrough – not just for Brad, but for the kids as well,’ the source says. ‘Brad hasn’t taken the kids out in public in well over a year, so to have a new agreement where he can keep the kids over key holiday dates means so much.
‘After a year of Brad being sober and really working hard on his demons, Ange has finally come around and is comfortable with the kids having more one-on-one time with their dad.
‘Seeing Shiloh and Viv smile at his home over Thanksgiving was probably the happiest day he’s had since his split from Ange. Now he’s looking forward to Christmas more than ever.’
The new custody deal comes as reports suggest that Ange recently turned down a huge financial settlement offer from Brad as part of the divorce. US magazine In Touch reports that Ange rejected her ex’s offer of half of his $330 million fortune in cash, refusing to take his money.
‘Brad told his attorney to give Ange whatever amount she wants to settle the divorce, even though they have a prenup,’ an insider told In Touch. ‘He isn’t trying to buy Ange off and couldn’t care less about how he is perceived in the public eye.
‘Brad’s motivation is first and foremost the kids. Giving Ange a substantial chunk of his fortune will give the kids the quality of life they are used to. Brad and Ange spend at least $1.3 million a year on security for their children, including bodyguards. The costs add up, and Brad wants to continue to pay for those things. He also wants Ange to continue her humanitarian work without worrying about finances.’
While Ange, 42, rejected the financial olive branch, sources tell New Idea it did help break down her defences when it comes to Brad – and made her see that he’s trying to do the right thing by her and kids Maddox, 16, Pax, 13, Zahara, 12, Shiloh, 11, and twins Knox and Vivienne, both nine.
Given that Brad, 53, has moved on romantically with another woman – Monaco royal Charlotte Casiraghi – and the exes are due to move to the UK in early 2018 for respective filming commitments, Ange felt it was time to bury the hatchet.
‘All that Brad has wanted is more custody and more time with the kids, and Ange is finally ready to do that,’ says the source.
‘And the truth is the kids are over the moon. Maddox is still a little shy around Brad, but the younger ones, and especially Shiloh, are super excited to be with their dad more. It’s a very happy time.’
For the full story see this weeks issue of New Idea – out now.
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