Divorce can often feel like a difficult and arduous process. This is especially true for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who have recently completed their settlement, which took them a staggering 8 years.

The couple married in 2014 and have 6 children together. Angelina filed for divorce in 2016. It has been an acrimonious, drawn-out process for all involved and it is definitely something that can and should be avoided, especially when there are children involved.

Angelina’s lawyer is quoted as saying that “This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over.”

They have been involved in various legal proceedings, including their child arrangements, and it still remains to be determined what will become of the legal battle over their French vineyard.

Divorce and Financial Remedies in England and Wales

In England and Wales, the divorce process can take around 6 months to complete, this includes a 20-week “holding” period between the court granting what is known as the Conditional Order and the Final Order (formerly the Decree Absolute).

The financial settlement can generally be a bit trickier. Sorting out the money can add further costs and delays although for most people, taking 8 years to do so would be truly exceptional.

Following changes to the family law procedure rules in April 2024, there has been a renewed and stronger focus on Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR), which you can read more about here. This is available to couples beginning the divorce or dissolution process and throughout it too.

The Geldards Family Team can provide a full offering of all of these services to our clients. This includes mediation, private hearings and arbitration as well as representation through the traditional court routes. We will always support you to try and resolve matters in a less adversarial manner.

How you can avoid a ‘Brangelina’ settlement?

Our Family Team at Geldards all appreciate that, despite these alternatives, it is sometimes necessary for a couple to issue court proceedings to deal with their finances. However, this does not prevent you from using the out-of-court options along the way. The courts are struggling with the volume of applications and many families can experience delays waiting for court hearings to be listed, so it is important to try and look at every option for a resolution.

Understandably, various factors are out of your control, including the court’s capacity, the way your ex-partner chooses to respond and the approach of the lawyers involved.

You can help limit the delays and, very importantly, the legal costs you will be incurring. It is important to be practical and focused when navigating the divorce and financial remedy process. Matters will progress much more efficiently, so long as you (and your partner) are honest, transparent and fully cooperate and engage with the process.

Much can also depend on the lawyers you both choose. It is important you select the advisors who are right for you and your case. Family lawyers are encouraged by organisations such as the Law Society, Resolution and the Family Law Language Project to be mindful of their style of communication. Aggressive and inflammatory language will invariably prolong matters and increase costs.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s eight-year divorce highlights the challenges and complexities that can arise when approaching the different aspects of family law. By taking proactive and resolution-focused steps, you can avoid many of the pitfalls that lead to prolonged disputes.

If you and your partner are considering divorce/dissolution or would like to discuss Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR), please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of Geldards’ Family Team, who would be more than happy to help.