Co-Parenting In The Spotlight: Angelina Jolie-Brad Pitt Divorce Yields Valuable Lessons In Shared Parenting

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's divorce has put co-parenting in the spotlight. Their public profiles have opened conversations about what ex-couples have to settle with each other when it comes to raising the children. It has been an eye-opener and a lesson on what can happen in a shared parenting custody battle.

Following the divorce announcement in September, Angelina Jolie initially filed for full physical custody of their six children and not co-parenting or shared parenting. Her lawyers state that the actress believes this is the best arrangement for the sake of her family's "health," Time reports.

According to Castellanos Family Law, the filing of full physical custody usually means that one parent might be prone to abuse or violence, or might be unable to create a good environment for the children. Thus, the other parent who could be deemed more capable by the courts prefers this arrangement.

It has been the traditional practice and perception that children of divorce stay with their mother. It presupposes that the arrangement will be less stressful for the children as the mother is usually regarded as the primary caregiver.

According to Mondaq, this outdated perception has seen a change in recent years. Other courts all over the world are beginning to recognize co-parenting or shared parenting over full physical custody. This gives dads like Brad Pitt a fair chance of fighting to have the kids as well. The emphasis does away with the presumed bias for moms.

But in the state of California where Angelina Jolie filed her petition, co-parenting or shared parenting might be granted only in the case of cooperative parents. This means both parties must be willing and capable to take the children in.

Despite the FBI clearing Brad Pitt of the child abuse allegations, the ex-couple have apparently come to an agreement in early November. Angelina Jolie will still get full physical custody, with Brad Pitt having therapeutic visits with their kids, Cosmopolitan reports. If this agreement didn't take place, they would've likely dragged Angelina's child custody petition.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt divorced after two years of marriage and more than a decade of being together. All of their children — adopted kids Maddox, Pax, Zahara, and biological kids Shiloh, Vivienne and Knox — are below the age of 18.