Brad Pitt's Responsive Pleading May Break Down Ongoing Settlement Negotiations, Expert Says

The ongoing settlement negotiations between estranged couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie concerning their divorce may be disrupted. Although Brad Pitt did not formally petition the court to grant him joint custody of their six children, a long and complicated legal fight over such is not far from happening after Pitt filed his responsive pleading last Friday.

According to a report, Pitt chose to have a joint custody while Jolie checked on the box on sole custody of their children, when they filed for their separate pleadings. The couple's divorce proceeding is unusual as there is no open-ended extension on their case compared with other high-profile divorces.

Communications between the estranged couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie is not easy with both parties coursing through their respective representatives any matter that may arise concerning their divorce and their kids. After their separation in September, the "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" actors have not had any direct contact.

In a report from People, a divorce expert shared his opinion on how Pitt's responsive pleading may affect the divorce proceeding.

"Pitt's filing a response on November 4 was really an expression of intent, and not a formal request for custody order, it does mean he's not prepared to let Jolie have a sole custody," the report said, emphasizing that when Pitt chose joint custody, it is about "giving notice to the other party of what their intent is."

Earlier, Brad Pitt told the media he will not file any responsive pleading when Angelina Jolie filed for divorce as he does not want to drag his kids into a nasty legal custody battle. But since Pitt retracted on his plan, it may not go easy for Jolie to win in her fight for sole custody.

With Pitt having filed his response, he will not be deemed in default and no default judgment will be ordered by the judge taking cognizance of their divorce proceedings. Pitt will be given opportunity on each stage of the process, which will take time, energy and toll on them and their kids.

"If Brad is unhappy with the time Angelina is giving him with the kids, because she is really in control of that right now, then it's on him to go to court and ask for a custody order," People magazine continued to quote Christopher Melcher, a divorce attorney.