Angelina Jolie Calls For Special Training For Judges Amid Custody Battle With Brad Pitt

Angelina Jolie voices a pressing concern as the legal tussle between her and Brad Pitt continues.

The acclaimed actress emphasizes the need for specialized training for judges to ensure a fair and informed handling of custody matters. The estranged pair have been embroiled in a custody battle for her children for years since their divorce began in 2016. 

Reportedly, the activist asserted that the judge presiding over her custody proceedings displayed a perceived favoritism towards her ex-husband. In response, the "Girl, Uninterrupted" actress advocated for the California governor to mandate domestic violence training for court professionals.

Jolie's reason for this is her encounter with Los Angeles Judge John Ouderkirk, who denied her children the opportunity to testify about the domestic violence they endured from their father. Apparently, the retired private judge presided over their wedding and decreed in May 2021 that they would share custody of their children equally.

In a heartfelt two-page letter dated September 29, the mother-of-six implored Governor Gavin Newsom to support "Piqui's Law." This legislation aims to prevent children from being placed in "reunification camps," where they might be compelled to reside with an abusive parent.

This would also create training programs for judicial officers and mediators, focusing on the impact of child abuse and trauma. The 48-year-old took a trip down memory lane to explain how the law first came about, she wrote: 

"You will be aware that Piqui's Law derives its name from a 5-year-old boy who suffered a tragic fate, killed by his father in April of 2017. Piqui's mother, Ana Estevez, fought unsuccessfully within the California family court to secure protection for her child." 

The statement emphasized that Estevez has since "collaborated with California legislators to ensure that authorities do not overlook or dismiss the signs of abuse, signs that tragically result in harm and death for numerous children in our country." 

The Senate Bill 331, commonly called "Piqui's Law," successfully cleared the California legislature on September 15. It currently awaits Governor Newsom's signature to be officially enacted.

Someone close to the filmmaker emphasized that "This is personal to her, and for good reason," pointing to her disputes with the alleged "biased" Ouderkirk, who was taken off the case due to his failure to disclose connections with the 59-year-old actor's legal team. 

The person added, "Their whole family is a victim of system failure. She has been fighting privately for her family and publicly for other families for years." As reported by the New York Post, insiders from Pitt's camp asserted that Jolie was attempting to distort facts and tarnish the credibility of those who testified against her.

A statement from a source suggested that the legislation she was advocating for, while potentially effective on its own, was unrelated to her ongoing custody battle. They further stated, "It is inexplicable why she would use her advocacy for another defamatory effort to disregard all the objective facts in order to advance her own interest." 

The "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" actress, who shares Maddox, Jolie Pax, Knox Léon, Zahara, Shiloh, and Vivienne with her ex-husband, does not miss any opportunity to always show them off in various circles. 

Accompanied by her first son, the pair were among the distinguished guests welcomed at the White House during the official visit of South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee. 

The event marked the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK alliance. It served as a platform to discuss a new military agreement addressing the escalating nuclear concerns posed by North Korea.

Posing together on the red carpet, the Hollywood icon donned a vintage Chanel blazer in an off-white shade over a flowing white dress with a plunging V-neckline. Meanwhile, Maddox looked smart in a well-fitted black peacoat paired with a crisp white button-down shirt and tie. 

For Angelina Jolie, this occasion held not just excitement but also a profound sense of pride, seeing as the 22-year-old, adopted from Cambodia in 2002, has been a constant source of inspiration. Attending school in South Korea, he has also become intimately acquainted with the culture.