Angelina Jolie-Brad Pitt Update: Why Pitt Won't Withdraw Shared Custody Petition; Estranged Couple Reach Custody Agreement

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have come to a custody agreement regarding their six children as part of their ongoing divorce case, a representative for the actress said Monday. Jolie, 41, filed for divorce Sept. 19, citing irreconcilable differences with the actor.

Jolie will continue to have the sole custody of their children —Maddox Jolie-Pitt, 15, Pax Jolie-Pitt, 12, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, 11, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, 10, and twins Knox Jolie-Pitt and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, 8— while Pitt will be allowed “therapeutic visits.”

"We can confirm that childcare professionals have encouraged a legal agreement accepted and signed by both sides over a week ago. In accordance with this agreement, the six children will stay in their mother's custody, and the children will continue therapeutic visits with their father. This has been determined by childcare professionals to be in the children's best interest," Jolie's representative reportedly said in the statement.

"We are not in a position to discuss the details. We hope now that it is clear that the events which led to the dissolution filing involved minor children and their well being, there will be understanding of the sensitivity of the family situation. We believe that all sides are committed to healing the family and ask for your consideration during this difficult time," the statement read.

The announcement of the custody settlement comes just days after Pitt filed his response to Jolie’s divorce petition and requested joint custody of their six children.

The actor has been under investigation over a mid-air altercation on a private aircraft on Sept. 14 with son Maddox. According to E! News, the incident led to an anonymous call being placed with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). However, a source close to Pitt said that there was no truth to the reports.

According to Entertainment Tonight (ET), the custody agreement is separate from the voluntary safety plan implemented by the DCFS that was extended last month.

“This is what Brad and Angelina have decided between each other for the children,” a source told ET. “The agreement is also indefinite, so there is no time frame to it, it is in place until they decide to make a change... This is a good sign, it is the first step. This means one issue is now off the table for them.”

ET also reported that the 52-year-old actor will not be withdrawing his petition for shared custody, which was filed Friday, as it “preserves his rights in the future.”

Since the divorce filing, Pitt has seen his children twice, but met Maddox only once recently.