New Jersey Lawyer Blog
On September 15, 2016, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt separated. Jolie filed for divorce two days later. The famous couple, called “Brangelina” by their fans, had been together since 2004 and married in 2014.
Jolie’s spokespersons have said that she is doing it for the “health of her family.” She has asked that she and her family be afforded privacy.
Pitt stated when asked how he felt about the situation by People magazine, “I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids. I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time.”
Speaking of their children, Jolie is seeking physical custody of all six, who range in age from 8 to 15. She has asked the court, however, that Pitt be granted parenting time.
Like in New Jersey, a party can get a divorce in California by claiming to have “irreconcilable differences” with his or her spouse or domestic partner, and this is the ground upon which Jolie filed the petition for the dissolution of the marriage. When filing under this legal ground, there is no need to provide evidence or additional reasons. Neither is “guilty” or “non-guilty” in the eyes of the court.
No-Fault Divorce in New Jersey
Until 2007 there was no ground available to those seeking divorce that did not place blame on the other party. A couple wanting to dissolve a marriage had to live separately for 18 months, or one of the spouses had to claim extreme cruelty. Examples of extreme cruelty would have included desertion or adultery.
Divorce is sad. It is difficult on all parties involved whether they are super stars like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt or your neighbors who live down the block. It is especially stressful when issues such as child custody and parenting time are involved.
Making the decision to dissolve a marriage is not an easy one. If you believe that divorce is the best course of action for you, the divorce and family law attorneys at Aretsky Law Group, P.C., will do everything possible to ease the stress. Contact us 24/7 at 800-537-4154 for an initial consultation.