With news that Angelina Jolie has already hired a lawyer in what appears to be shaping up to be a bitter battle, ET Canada can confirm that Brad Pitt has just retained the services of Lance Siegel, a divorce attorney who has represented such stars as Charlie Sheen, Heather Locklear and music mogul Russell Simmons in their conscious uncouplings.
Shortly after news broke of the couple’s split, reports emerged that Jolie had already brought on lawyer Debbie Wasser, who represented such stars as Britney Spears and Stevie Wonder in their divorces — and previously represented the “Maleficent” star in her divorce from Billy Bob Thornton.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pitt was reportedly “blindsided” by his wife’s divorce filing, and now also has to contend with a potential FBI investigation into allegations that he had a physical altercation with one of his children during a flight on a private jet, the alleged incident reportedly triggering Jolie to end their marriage.
In her divorce filing, Jolie cites irreconcilable differences, and is seeking physical custody of the couple’s six children and joint legal custody, with visitation for Pitt.
