Brad Pitt seeks joint custody of kids

Actor denies involvement in sexually abusive behaviour against son, Maddox

LOS ANGELES: Brad Pitt wants to be granted joint custody of his six children with estranged wife Angelina Jolie, according to a divorce filing on Friday. The actor’s request was included in his response to Jolie’s petition on September 20 to end their two-year marriage.

Custody has been the major issue in the breakup so far, with authorities investigating Pitt over what happened during a dispute on a private flight with his family in mid-September. The couple reached a temporary custody agreement that allowed Pitt to visit his children while the investigation by a child welfare agency in Los Angeles is ongoing.

The outcome of the investigation could impact how a judge determines custody arrangements, although courts in California generally favour awarding joint custody. The actors could also reach a private agreement that would not involve a public custody fight in court.

Pitt’s filing does not include any new details about the couple’s breakup. Pitt cited irreconcilable differences and makes no mention of a prenuptial agreement that will govern how the pair divides their assets. He also cited September 15 as the day of their separation, one day after the alleged plane altercation between Pitt and his 15-year-old son, Maddox.

Pitt was accused of being abusive toward the teenager, sources told The Associated Press, but authorities were not notified when the plane landed in Minnesota. Several sources said the incident was being investigated by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, but the agency said it could not confirm anything at the moment.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th, 2016.

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