It was announced on January 23 by the London newspaper, "News of the World" that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie intend to separate.

According to the report, the couple have agreed to equally divide their $322M estatehttp://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/697182/Golden-couple-Brad-Pitt-amp-Angelina-Jolie-see-top-divorce-lawyer.html. Custody of the couple's six children is to be equally shared, although the children will all remain with their mother (Angelina Jolie).

Although no formal announcement has yet been made by the couple, speculation has been rife for months that the couple were having difficulties.

Although not officially ever married, the couple have allegedly consulted a Divorce Lawyer in Beverly Hills. This lawyer is regarded as one of the best in the industry for managing the divorces of celebrities.http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/board/post3565686.html

Soon after the publication of the article, blogger Perez Hilton reported on Twitter that the rumor was false after speaking to a representative of the couple.http://twitter.com/PerezHilton/status/8139434830

The following quote was taken from the News of the World and was published in the UK on 24th January, 2010:

"The document was signed in early January. Both Brad and Angelina had signed it. The contract was like a tailor-made version of a pre-nuptial agreement except for an unmarried couple's split. It seemed clear they want the world to know they'll both play a part in the upbringing of the children. But Angelina will actually be the one who lives with them full-time."

Brad Pitt

Gwyneth Paltrow - The couple were engaged on December 20, 1996 but never actually married, the couple finished their engagement during June, 1997.

Jennifer Aniston - The couple were married from July 29, 2000 to October 2, 2005 when they divorced.

Angelina Jolie

Jonny Lee Miller - The couple were married from March 28, 1996 to February 3, 1999 when they divorced.

Billy Bob Thornton - Angelina's second marriage was from May 5, 2000 to May 27, 2003.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt first met on the filmset of Mr Mrs Smith, a 2005 action comedy. The first public outing together as a couple was at the opening of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky on November 19, 2005http://marriage.about.com/od/entertainmen1/p/bradpitt.htm.

Biological children from the marriage:

1. Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, female born 27 May, 2006
2. Knox Jolie-Pitt, male born 12 July, 2008
3. Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, female born 12 July, 2008

Adopted children:

1. Maddox Jolie-Pitt, male born 5 August, 2001
2. Pax Jolie-Pitt, male born 29 November, 2003
3. Zahara Jolie-Pitt, born 8 January, 2005