Angelina Jolie Splits From Divorce Lawyer Amid Brad Pitt Custody Battle

Angelina Jolie is switching gears as her custody battle with ex Brad Pitt continues.

On Monday, Aug. 27, 2018, the Changeling star's spokesperson, Mindy Nyby, revealed to E! News that Jolie has split from attorney Laura Wasser amid the movie stars' ongoing divorce.

"Angelina decided to change counsel to Samantha Bley DeJean of Bley and Bley, as Samantha's expertise is the protection and best interests of children," Nyby released in a statement to the media outlet. "Angelina appreciates Laura's cooperation in transitioning the case over the past several weeks."

Meanwhile, a source cited by E! News explained, "Angelina's come to rely on [Samantha's] counsel and decided to put her in the lead." The insider added, "Over the past month the case has been fully transitioned to Samantha."

Jolie, 43, and Pitt, 54, are fast-approaching the two-year mark of their separation. After dating for a decade, the two married in a secret ceremony in August 2014. However, the Maleficent star officially filed for divorce in September 2016, citing "irreconcilable differences." The former couple share six children together: Maddox, 17, Pax, 14, Zahara, 13, Shiloh, 12, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 10. 

Ever since calling it quits, Jolie and Pitt have been engaged in a highly publicized custody battle, which recently heated up this summer. After reaching a temporary custody agreement, which was meant to last the summer of 2018, Jolie was ordered by a Los Angeles judge to allow Pitt more visitation time with their kids in mid-August. Earlier in the month, she accused her ex of not paying "meaningful" child support in a court filing. However, the actor, who was reportedly "sickened" by Jolie and her legal team's decision to bring their private custody battle into the public eye, hit back shortly after, claiming that he's paid her over $9 million since their split.

According to a source cited by Entertainment Tonight this week, throughout these recent developments in Pitt and Jolie's divorce proceedings, "Angelina has remained focused on healing her family and continues to support the reconciliation of the children with Brad."

While the actress-director's new counsel may point toward a new direction in the former couple's court battle, several reports emerged last week alleging that they'd reached an interim custody agreement for their kids. Hopefully, these two will be able to come to a permanent custody arrangement quickly and amicably.