The world honestly thought they were untouchable. When you look back at the photos of "Brangelina" on the red carpet at Cannes or walking through New York with their growing brood of kids, it felt like a modern myth. But fast forward to early 2026, and the fairy tale hasn't just ended—it’s been dismantled in a Los Angeles courtroom, piece by bitter piece. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are no longer a couple, but their names remain inextricably linked through a series of legal battles that have lasted far longer than their actual marriage.
People still ask: how did it get this bad? It wasn't just a breakup. It was a total collapse of a multi-million dollar brand and a family unit. Even though they finally settled their divorce in December 2024, the dust hasn't settled. If anything, it’s kicked up a new storm.
The Winery War: Why Château Miraval Is the Final Battleground
Most celebrity divorces are about money or custody, but with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, it became about a French vineyard. Miraval isn't just a place where they make rosé; it’s the place where they got married in 2014. That’s probably why the fight over it feels so personal.
In late 2025, a judge handed Pitt a significant win. He’d been pushing to see Jolie’s private communications regarding her sale of her stake in the winery. He basically claimed she sold it to a Russian oligarch just to spite him. Jolie’s team, led by attorney Paul Murphy, argued this was just more "harassment." But the court didn't see it that way. In December 2025, she was ordered to turn over years of unredacted emails and documents.
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Pitt is suing for roughly $35 million in damages. He claims they had a "mutual understanding" that neither would sell without the other’s consent. Jolie denies this ever existed. She’s characterized the whole thing as a "vindictive war" launched by Pitt. It’s messy. It’s expensive. One Hollywood insider recently called the legal fees "money thrown into a bonfire."
A Family Divided: The Kids Are Growing Up
While the lawyers argue over grapes and NDAs, the six children at the heart of this story are no longer the little kids we remember. They’re adults now. Or mostly.
- Maddox (24): He’s been out of his father’s orbit for years. Reports say he’s now a licensed pilot and lives in New York.
- Pax (22) and Zahara (21): Both have reportedly dropped "Pitt" from their surnames in various public or professional settings.
- Shiloh (19): In a move that made headlines everywhere, she legally filed to change her name to "Shiloh Jolie" the moment she turned 18.
- Knox and Vivienne (17): The twins are the last remaining minors. They turn 18 in July 2026.
Honestly, the distance between Pitt and his older children seems vast. Sources close to the actor say he has "virtually no contact" with the adult kids. Meanwhile, Jolie has been their constant. But that constant presence has come at a price. In January 2026, rumors swirled that Jolie’s health was flagging under the stress. Some reports even suggested the kids have organized a rotating schedule to make sure she’s never alone at her Los Feliz estate.
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The Moving Plans: Is Jolie Leaving L.A.?
For years, Angelina Jolie has been vocal about feeling "trapped" in Los Angeles. She stayed because of the custody agreement. She wanted her kids to be near their father, or at least, the court required it while they were minors.
"I am here because I have to be here from a divorce," she told The Hollywood Reporter in a candid moment. But the clock is ticking. Once the twins turn 18 this summer, she’s free. Speculation is high that she’ll list her $25 million Cecil B. DeMille estate and head for Cambodia, or perhaps Europe. She’s already been seen scouting locations and continuing her humanitarian work, most recently at the Rafah border in January 2026.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that this is still about "who cheated on who" back in 2005. It’s not. That’s ancient history. The real friction today is about the 2016 private jet incident. Jolie’s legal team continues to claim that Pitt’s refusal to buy her out of the winery without a "hushing" NDA was an attempt to cover up his conduct on that flight. Pitt was cleared by the FBI and social services at the time, but the shadow of that day hasn't moved.
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It’s a stalemate. Pitt wants to protect his business legacy and, perhaps, his reputation. Jolie wants to move on—physically and financially—without being silenced.
Actionable Insights for Following the Case
If you're trying to keep up with the latest developments in the Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt saga, here’s what to keep an eye on over the next few months:
- The July 2026 Milestone: Watch for the twins' 18th birthday. This is the legal "end date" for any remaining custody restrictions and could trigger Jolie’s long-awaited move out of the U.S.
- The Miraval Discovery: Now that the judge has ordered the release of Jolie’s private emails, expect "leaks" or court filings that reveal her true intentions behind the 2021 sale.
- Property Listings: Keep an eye on the Los Angeles luxury real estate market. If the DeMille estate hits the public market, it’s the clearest sign yet that the "Brangelina" era in Hollywood is officially over.
- The NDA Ruling: The court’s eventual decision on whether Pitt’s requested NDA was "standard business practice" or "coercive" will likely decide the $35 million winery lawsuit.
The story of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt serves as a grim reminder that even the most beautiful people in the world can't escape the grinding gears of a messy legal system. It's a tragedy in three acts: the romance, the rupture, and the relentless litigation.