Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie‘s custody agreement may not be as finalized as we think it is.
It was reported on Wednesday that Judge John Ouderkirk tentatively awarded Oscar winner Brad further custody over the former couple’s five minor children: Pax, 17, Zahara, 16, Shiloh, 14, and 12-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.
But it has now been alleged that Angelina has filed a legal complaint over the ruling, and Ouderkirk’s “continuing purview” over the case. In sealed documents, she has also alleged “a history of domestic violence” connected to Brad, and claimed that the Judge has refused to hear the teenagers’ own input.
The complaint was filed to California’s Second District Court of Appeal on Monday; the Marvel star had previously failed to have Ouderkirk removed from the case last November.
A source close to the actress told People that “joint custody is not the issue that Angelina objects to, there were other issues of concern, but the court proceedings are closed and sealed.”
“Judge Ouderkirk denied Ms. Jolie a fair trial, improperly excluding her evidence relevant to the children’s health, safety, and welfare, evidence critical to making her case,” her lawyers have argued. It remains unclear what this evidence may be as the files are sealed.
AP also alleges that the mom-of-six had claimed Ouderkirk had “failed to adequately consider” a section of the California courts code, “which says it is detrimental to the best interest of the child if custody is awarded to a person with a history of domestic violence.”
The filing gives no further details and documents were also submitted in March under seal.
The actress has reportedly also claimed Ouderkirk refused to hear the minor teenagers’ input as to their experiences, needs, or wishes as to their custody fate.
In California, any child 14 years or older is legally allowed to speak in court and weigh in on their custodial preference.
In response to the original custody ruling, sources close to Brad said he has “always wanted what is best for the kids, and to spend time with them.”
“Brad has been awarded significantly more time with the kids. He had had very limited time before.”
