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Brad Pitt Will Fight for Custody: ‘He Wants to Have a Significant Role in His Kids’ Lives’

Brad Pitt plans to fight for custody of his six children with estranged wife Angelina Jolie, a source tells Us Weekly on Thursday, September 22.

“He wants to have a significant role in his kids’ lives and he wants to be with them consistently, but he also wants them to be in the most protected and proper environment,” the insider says. Us can confirm that Pitt hired divorce attorney Lance Spiegel.

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“[The split] does come down to differences in lifestyle and parenting,” the source tells Us. “Brad and Angelina had arguments which, over time, became progressively more frequent. And it was something where it did appear that this had run its course, but Brad was still hoping to work it out, and ultimately that didn’t happen.”

Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt on November 23, 2015, in New York City. Michael Stewart/FilmMagic

But in spite of any issues that Pitt, 52, and Jolie, 41, may have had, the actor still has the kids’ best interests at heart.

On Monday, September 19, the Maleficent actress stunned the world when she filed divorce papers to end the superstar couple’s two-year marriage. In the court documents, Jolie asked for sole physical custody of their children, Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 8.

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Divorce attorney Alexander Orlofsky told Us that a parent will typically seek physical custody for a number of reasons, including physical abuse or a new partner that a spouse doesn’t approve of.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie with children (from left) Pax, Zahara, Knox, Shiloh and Maddox
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, with children (from left) Pax, Zahara, Knox, Shiloh and Maddox, attend the World Premiere of Disney’s ‘Maleficent’ on May 28, 2014, in Hollywood. Charley Gallay/Getty Images

“She will argue the children are better of with her, and a judge will make a decision after listening to the kids,” the Miami Beach–based lawyer told Us. “It’s highly unusual to get this granted unless there is some major reason.”

One day later, reports surfaced that Pitt was being investigated for child abuse.

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When reached for comment, the L.A. County Department of Children Family and Services told Us it is unable to comment on whether or not the department is investigating Pitt for the abuse allegations.

“We’re prohibited by law from disclosing case-specific information or even identifying any involvement with any client,” the DCFS Public Information Officer Neil Zanville told Us

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