Brad Pitt fights back Angelina Jolie: Seeks joint physical and legal custody of his six children

Brad Pitt has finally responded to Angelina Jolie's divorce petition and has sought joint physical and legal custody of his six children; Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins, Knox and Vivienne, 8.

In his petition, Pitt cites irreconcilable differences as the reason for divorce and reveals his date of separation as 15 September, the same day mentioned by Jolie in her divorce filing to end their two-year-old marriage. The estranged couple is reportedly not asking for spousal or child support in their filings, but both are fighting over the custody of their children.

In her divorce filing, the Maleficent actress has requested sole physical custody with visitation rights for Pitt. But the couple later had agreed to a temporary settlement allowing Pitt to see his children in the presence of a therapist. The children are living with their mother since her legal petition for separation.

"The kids are Angie's sole focus. She's cancelled everything else – work, everything. She's been home each day, supporting them, helping them with homework, been there constantly. And no, this isn't with a big staff of nannies and helpers," a source told People.

With his request for joint custody, the Allied actor, is clearly sending a message that he is not going down without a fight with his estranged wife. But considering the involvement of the Department of Child and Family Service for Pitt's allegedly abusive behaviour towards his son Maddox on a private jet, the future of the divorce battle appears tricky.

However, another source told People that the Hollywood power couple are still working to resolve the issues amicably. "They are still working on issues that they can't agree on. It seems their issues still involve the kids."

"Brad and Angie haven't had any contact, and it's all being worked out via their team. It's just a sad situation," another source told the news outlet.

The 52-year-old World War Z actor has already met his five youngest children in two supervised visits while he had his first supervised visit with son Maddox on 19 October and according to report, his eldest son is still not happy with him.