Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie Kid Update: Why Actor Reportedly Won’t Answer Divorce Filing

Brad Pitt’s marriage to Angelina Jolie is over, as far as she is concerned, but the “Allied” actor isn’t ready to respond to the divorce filing, TMZ wrote in an exclusive report Thursday. It doesn’t have anything to do with emotions, though. Pitt is concerned about the well-being of their six children.

The deadline for Pitt, 52, to file a legal response to Jolie’s divorce petition was Wednesday. But the star did not submit a response because he’s worried about the “psychological damage” it will have on their children: Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Sahara, 11, Shiloh, 10 and twins Vivienne and Knox, 8.

Jolie, 40, requested full custody and asked the judge to give her estranged husband visitation rights. Pitt, on the other hand, wants to share joint legal and physical custody. If he filed his response, it would “draw battle lines” and start a possible custody war.

Jolie is on the side of the children and wants to make sure their mental health is stable, TMZ wrote. She could file a default judgment since Pitt didn’t answer, but she would rather heal her family than start a war.

Another reason Pitt might have delayed his answer is because the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services is investigating the fight Pitt had with Maddox days before Jolie filed for divorce. He would have a stronger argument for joint custody if the DCOFS closed its case before his response is filed.

Maddox reportedly refused to meet with his father the day the rest of his siblings reconnected with Pitt. “Maddox never wants to see Brad again,” an insider told Us Weekly Wednesday. “He doesn’t really see himself as Brad’s son.”

A therapist monitored the reunion with Pitt and the rest of the five children. “It wasn’t full of joy and happiness,” an insider said. “It was emotional for [Pitt].”

Jolie filed for divorce Sept. 19 citing irreconcilable differences. She is not seeking spousal support.

Follow me on Twitter @mariamzzarella