Do Divorces Always Take as Long as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's?
Recent headlines have been buzzing about the conclusion of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's divorce, which reportedly took an astonishing eight years to finalise. During this time, some of their children reached adulthood, making disputes over child arrangements unnecessary—a testament to just how long the process dragged on. But is such a lengthy divorce typical?
The short answer is no. Brad and Angelina's situation is unique for several reasons. Firstly, they live in the United States, where legal systems and procedures differ significantly from those in the UK. Secondly, their case involved complex issues, including disputes over significant wealth and a vineyard in France, which understandably prolonged the process.
Here in the UK, while delays in court proceedings have become more common due to a historic lack of resources in the judicial system, a divorce—including arrangements for children and finances—rarely takes as long as theirs.
That said, resolving contested issues in the Family Court can be time-consuming. Limited judicial availability and court time can lead to delays. While the divorce process itself has been streamlined under the "no-fault" procedure, financial arrangements arising from a divorce often take longer to settle. It is not unusual for court applications regarding finances to take 12 to 18 months, or even longer in more complex cases.
Alternatives to Avoid Delays
To avoid lengthy and expensive court battles, many couples are encouraged to explore alternative dispute resolution methods. Mediation, collaborative law, and arbitration are becoming increasingly popular as they allow parties to work toward an agreement outside the pressured court system. These methods not only save time but can also significantly reduce legal costs—something even Brad and Angelina likely found challenging despite their wealth.
At Clapham & Collinge, we are proud members of Resolution, a national organization of family lawyers dedicated to promoting a non-adversarial approach. Resolution encourages parties to reach agreements amicably and avoid court proceedings whenever possible.
