Random Fuzzy

Child Custody Evaluation information is tightly controlled by the January, 2017 Order sealing all custody-related issues and orders.  Therefore in their S&O re Limited Disclosure of Child Custody Evaluation Information, they are asking the court to allow the limited disclosure of evaluation info.  This means they wish to disclose evaluation results to select parties outside of "the Court herein, the parties, the parties' respective counsel of record, and the parties' respective experts or the Court's appointed experts" to whom all custody-related info is strictly restricted under their seal Order.  The DCFS -- which made sure "safeguards are put in place that will allow the children to heal" -- would be one very interested outside party. 

They have been having custody evaluations since December, 2016.  Dr. Stan Katz filed his declaration with the court as their private custody evaluator in January, 2017 and again in October, 2018, at which time he was listed as an "other" party in the case.  The recommendations of the custody evaluator served as the basis of the Judgement on Child Custody and Visitation filed November, 2018, designed "to keep things moving along in the right direction."  Their latest S&O suggests that after 3 1/2 years, they may finally have the evaluation results they've been working for and are thus ready to share the info.

There was no court proceeding held.  The S&O may have been simply approved and signed into an order by Judge Ouderkirk.   The Order would partially unseal Child Custody Evaluation Information to grant the specified outside party/parties access.  The last court proceeding was in October 25, 2019 which, in the absence of any other filing, would have been for the extension of the Judge's appointment per the S&O filed Oct. 8.  Unlike previous extensions, the hearing took place 2 weeks after the S&O was filed instead of the same day and shows "Held - Order Made" instead of "Granted."  In general, the wording of the entries in the Court listing lacks consistency.
 
03/03/2020 Responsive Declaration (Ex Parte Responsive Declaration to Request for Order *Filed Under Seal* )
Filed by Petitioner
03/03/2020 Stipulation and Order (Limited Disclosure of Child Custody Evaluation Information *Filed Under Seal* )
Filed by Petitioner

A Stipulation is an agreement between the parties, a Stipulation and Order is an agreement to jointly request an Order.  Ex Parte is a Latin legal term signifying "on behalf of one party."  Very simply, the parties' joint request was filed by one of the parties -- Angelina -- who added her declaration in support.



The Judgement on Child Custody and Visitation was filed Nov. 21, 2018:
11/21/2018 Appearance, Stipulations and Waivers (*Sealed Document* This appearance stipulation and waiver is submitted with and relates only to the judgment on the bifurcated issue of child custody and visitation )
Filed by Respondent
11/21/2018 Notice - Entry of Judgment (*Sealed Document* *Judgment on bifurcated issue of child custody and visitation. Jurisdiction is reserved over termination of marital status and over all financial issues. )
Filed by Respondent
11/21/2018 Judgment - Reserved Issues - Uncontested (*Sealed Document* Jurisdiction is reserved over termination of marital status and financial issues )
Filed by Respondent

Samantha Bley DeJean said in a statement: “A custody arrangement was agreed to weeks ago, and has been signed by both parties and the judge.  The agreement, which is based on the recommendations of the child custody evaluator, eliminates the need for a trial. The filing and details of the agreement are confidential to protect the best interests of the children.”
A source close to Jolie said that she “is very pleased to be entering the next stage and relieved with progress for the health of their family.”
A source tells PEOPLE, “It is not permanent but rather a temporary agreement in place, for now, to keep things moving along in the right direction.”

When they filed the Judgement - Status last year, they obtained an Order the same day from the regular court to seal the Judgement and 4 attachments.
04/12/2019 Judgment - Status - only (Sealed Copy )
Filed by Petitioner
04/12/2019 Judgment - Status - only (Per Court order of 4-12-19, attachments to Judgment - Status only are sealed (4 pages).
04/12/2019 Minute Order
04/12/2019 at 1:30 PM in Department 2, Lewis, Thomas Trent, Presiding
Non-Appearance Case Review - Held - Order Made

When the court rejected Brad's ex-parte request for an order to seal records on December 7, 2016, it said "the proposed broad sealing order fails to meet the requirements of the California Rule of Court 2.550."  It added that "the Court recognized the privacy rights of the minor children and will be guided by what is in the minor children's best interests."  For the Court to agree to seal the Judgement and attachments, they would have had to successfully convince the Court that it was in the children's best interests to do so.  That means the Judgement - Status and 4 attachments substantially involve the children.  The only statement they gave after the Judgement - Status was: “Both parents are focused on what’s best for the kids."



Stipulation and Order to Seal Records regarding Custody issues (September 2016 draft)
....

9. In accordance with the provisions of California Rules of Court 2.550 et seq., the following portions of the file Marriage of Pitt, Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. BD646 058, are ordered sealed and shall not be disseminated, disclosed, published in any way, or the substance thereof otherwise communicated in any manner other than the Court herein, the parties, the parties' respective counsel of record, and the parties' respective experts or the Court's appointed experts, whether through informal discovery, formal discovery, and whether produced by the parties or any third party:

a. Records relating to all child custody issues and orders, including, without limitation, records relating to the mental and physical health of either party or the parties and any and all of their minor children;

b.  The identity of the parties' minor children, their location, including without limitation, their places of residence, school and other activities; and

c.  The location of the parties, including, without limitation, their places of residence.

10.  Only those documents and pages or, if reasonably practicable, portions of those documents and pages that contain material relating to child custody issues shall be placed under seal.  All other portions of each document or page shall be included in the public file.

Random Fuzzy

The caption states she went to a meeting together with Brad on March 5, Tuesday, but he is not shown.  It's possible they again went to see Dr. Katz.  The parking garage looks similar to the one Brad was photographed in on Jan. 25, but there is no photo of the exact same spot.  Brad was shown exiting the garage but these photos only show Angelina walking towards a ramp and not at the exit.

We can tell that it is Angelina but there are no photos of her face.  We see her walking away from the parking area but there are no photos of her walking back to her car.  There should logically be photos of Brad getting in and out of his Escalade given it is parked outside.  By now, every pap in the city knows it's distinctive silhouette and features on sight.

Angelina and her car were photographed inside the underground garage but the photos of the two Escalades together are on street level.  Since the custom Escalade didn't have to navigate through the garage, it could have left much earlier, but it waited for Angelina's Escalade to emerge from the underground parking to follow behind it. 

Since their last Jan. 30 meeting with Dr. Katz, the family may have gone on two trips -- one after her visit to Bangladesh and the other after New York.  The whole family notably disappeared from view for several days both times.  Dr. Katz may have conducted another round of interviews with the children after their latest trips and this meeting is to discuss the results.

Maleficent 2's new release date was officially announced March 6, the day after this meeting.  It obviously strongly suggests that what they heard influenced the timing of the announcement and they were prepared for it.  That one reason for the big jump forward in Maleficent 2's release date is because the family will be ready to emerge as a fully healed, healthy and legally reunified family soon.  Once Dr. Katz certifies them, they can move to set aside the temporary judgement on custody and visitation that contains his earlier recommendations and have the petition dismissed.

They can finally discuss openly what happened on the plane and explain their actions and decisions after the DCFS became involved.


Their own words say it best:

"I’m happy we did (By the Sea) because we did explore something together and ... we did communicate something that maybe needed to be communicated to each other.”

"We thought, this is the best honeymoon because we felt, as the film says in the end—whatever you go through, weather the storm and stay together. It was a message to each other of we are going to weather whatever comes and we are going to stick together."

“When something happens in your life that’s a dramatic thing, you either pull together or you go into your own.  So many times, people divorce very quickly. To me, if this film has a message, it’s that you have to try to weather the storm together no matter what. And that’s a beautiful thing.”

“It’s also very important to have a common goal. That’s what keeps people together—your moral fiber is the same and you have something that you are doing together that matters. You have purpose and certainly children are the easiest way to have the sense of purpose together because no matter what, they are first.”

"I was really on my back and chained to a system when Child Services was called.  And you know, after that, we've been able to work together to sort this out.  We're both doing our best."
"It's just very, very jarring for the kids, to suddenly have their family ripped apart.  If anyone can make sense of it, we have to."

HFPA What do you like about being single? And what do you dislike?
"I don't like it. It's not something I wanted."
HFPA Is there a good side?
"No. I'm sorry, there’s just nothing nice about it. It’s just hard."

"We’re all just healing from the events that led to the filing.  They’re not healing from divorce. They’re healing from some . . . from life, from things in life.”

"My whole family… we’ve all been through a difficult time... We are and forever will be a family. I am coping with finding a way through to make sure that this somehow makes us stronger and closer.”

"We will be stronger when we come out of this because that's what we're determined to do as a family."

"Our focus is that everyone comes out stronger and better people—there is no other outcome."


"For me this period has really been about looking at my weaknesses and failures and owning my side of the street."
In the end, you find: I am those things I don't like. I need to face that and take care of that. 
The terrible thing is I tend to run things into the ground. That's why I've got to make something so calamitous."

"For me every misstep has been a step toward epiphany, understanding, some kind of joy.
It's those very things that shape us, those very things that offer growth. That make us better."

"I know the people who love me know me. And that's enough for me."

"I’m not suicidal or something. There’s still much beauty in the world and a lot of love. And a lot of love to be given."

"We care for each other and care about our family, and we are both working towards the same goal." 

“None of it’s easy. It’s very, very difficult, a very painful situation, and I just want my family healthy.
(The DeMille) "is a big jump forward for us, and we’re all trying to do our best to heal our family."

“Everybody knows there is never just the tragedy of life, or the humor of life or pure joy of life. Relationships have those extremes. You can absolutely madly love the same person you want to kill.”

“Being artists, we both do talk a lot which is very helpful in a relationship”

"I think it is not said enough how much we need the men in our lives to be strong and capable and the best they can be.”

“I have a responsibility to myself and my family to remain true and authentic. I treat people whom I love honestly and sincerely."


BBC How do they learn about the outside world?  And I ask that in the context of how we are all understanding the outside world.  And about social media and tech companies, and about what we can trust, etc.  What do you do at home?
"I think like most parents, we try our best to insert good stuff.  We can't control everything they're exposed to." "So we try to ask that they will talk to us about anything they saw that bothers them or that they’re concerned about.”


"Now when I wear Mon Guerlain, I think this is what my children will one day smell when we are away from each other and they will associate it with mum, so it's important."
"It's nice for a woman to have a scent that her lover remembers, who identifies it with her."


Consistent.
Clear.
Incontrovertible.


"It is not permanent but rather a temporary agreement in place, for now, to keep things moving along in the right direction.”  She “is very pleased to be entering the next stage and relieved with progress for the health of their family.”

 

Not clear who the person with the cap is.  He is only Angelina's height which rules out Richie and most of their frequent security.  The only person in their circle of that height and built and who also loves wearing caps is Brad's assistant Darren -- if Darren shaved his goatee.

Floor markings guiding parking are white.

She is not carrying anything to the meeting. Her bag is hanging open and there is nothing visible.

She appears to be walking down a ramp, not yet at the entrance to the building. No security walked with her.

Floor markings directing traffic flow are yellow

The custom Escalade was occupying a street level parking spot, it did not come from the underground parking -- it may exceed size limits.   It could have left quickly but it waited for Angelina's Escalade to emerge from the underground parking so it could follow behind.  They arrived separately but are leaving (going home) together.

It isn't raining and it's still bright outside.  The headlights help to throw off the sensors of the paps' cameras to keep them from focusing inside Angelina's Escalade.  Brad's has curtains and a divider so they couldn't see inside regardless. 

Jan.25, 2019
Tesla

His bag is full

 

The first photos of them together.  They appear to be with Dr. Stan Katz in his office in Beverly Hills.    There are times when they all seem to be deep in thought, no one including Dr. Katz is talking, and they may be listening to a recording.  There was more listening on Jan 25 and more animated discussion on Jan. 30. 

Brad is the one more involved in the discussions, at one point approaching Dr. Katz to show him something on a cellphone.  He is also seen putting away what looks like a notebook or diary.  

Dr. Katz's room is long and narrow.  The wall opposite his desk is able to accommodate only two small frames which are frequently certificates of accomplishments.  The sofa they are on is just wide enough to fit between the bookcase and the window.

It's poetic justice that legal restrictions on unauthorized, intrusive photos inside any doctor's office meant that the paps couldn't sell these.

Sitting in a small office next to floor-to-ceiling glass windows, they knew they could be seen and photographed on both dates.   of the other mental health professionals or any lawyers.  They didn't need anyone else's advice or input. 

Other than the cellphone and possibly Brad's notebook or diary, they don't appear to be holding or reading anything on paper.  Dr. Katz is always shown leaning back on his chair.  He is never seen looking at anything on his desk or even leaning close to it.

They hired Dr. Katz two years ago, in January 2017, and have had many custody evaluations since then but this is the first time they allowed themselves to be seen with him. 

Although the paps were posted around the building with powerful telephoto lenses, there are no photos of them arriving or leaving Dr. Katz's office on Jan. 30.  Not even of their car.  Their security successfully kept the paps from having any view of the vicinity of the entrance and parking. 




Notable:

Jan. 25
Everyone is thoughtfully listening.

Wearing her gold band on her right ring finger.

Looking at something together while Dr. Katz appears to be looking at a book or tablet or cell phone.

Smiling up at Brad

Talking to Dr. Katz

Brad reaches over to assist Angelina when he sees her pulling her shawl over her shoulders.

And she starts to smile.

Putting away a notebook or diary, showing off his famous tattoo and wearing his bike chain bracelet.

Looking down

Jan. 30
Angelina and Dr. Katz converse while Brad sits beside her, partly hidden.

Brad leans forward

Enthusiastic, animated, smiling.

Showing off her wide gold band on her right ring finger.  Smiling. 

Gesturing

His hand appears to be where her crossed right leg would be.

Crossing her legs the other way.



No bike chain bracelet.


Standing right in front of her holding a jacket.

Showing Dr. Katz his cellphone

Wearing his Breitling watch

Eyeing the scene below. 

legion
fas
ajb
who



TIMELINE

Dec. 28, 2018

BBC How do they learn about the outside world?  And I ask that in the context of how we are all understanding the outside world.  And about social media and tech companies, and about what we can trust, etc.  What do you do at home?
AJ "I think like most parents, we try our best to insert good stuff.  We can't control everything they're exposed to." "So we try to ask that they will talk to us about anything they saw that bothers them or that they’re concerned about.”

Nov. 30, 2018

"It is not permanent but rather a temporary agreement in place, for now, to keep things moving along in the right direction.”  She “is very pleased to be entering the next stage and relieved with progress for the health of their family.”

August 2018

Angelina has “tried to bridge the gap between the kids and their dad. She’s worked to achieve reinstatement for them. 
Angelina remains focused on healing her family.  She continues to support the reconciliation of the children with Brad.

December 2017

For Pitt “the process has been difficult,” says a source close to the situation. “But he is OK and remains committed to his family.”

September 2017

 “None of it’s easy. It’s very, very difficult, a very painful situation, and I just want my family healthy,” she said quietly."

June 2017

"(The DeMille) is a big jump forward for us, and we’re all trying to do our best to heal our family."
"We care for each other and care about our family, and we are both working towards the same goal.
"We’re all just healing from the events that led to the filing . . . They’re not healing from divorce. They’re healing from some . . . from life, from things in life.”

April 2017

"A few months ago I was having frightening dreams and I'd consciously lie awake trying to ask, What can I get out of this? What can I learn from this? Those ceased. And now I have been having moments of joy, and you wake and realize it's just a dream, and I get a bit depressed for the moment. Just the moment, just glimpse moments of joy because I know I'm just in the middle of this thing now and I'm not at the beginning of it or at the end of it, just where this chapter is right now.  I just don't want to dodge any of it.  I just want to stand there, shirt open, and take my hits."

February 2017

"We will be stronger when we come out of this because that's what we're determined to do as a family."
“I am coping with finding a way through to make sure that this somehow makes us stronger and closer."  

December 1, 2016

"I understand that Brad is frustrated but feel that it is incumbent upon us to help this family achieve their long-term reunification goals in a smooth and expeditious manner....Is it not the end goal that within the next 6-12 months Brad is enjoying frequent and continuous contact with all of the children on a joint custodial basis?"

November 29, 2016

"For the past 3 months, Brad has complied with every aspect of the therapy process, notwithstanding ongoing concerns that the therapy team has ignored or disregarded issues that he has raised...
As I mentioned yesterday, it would be misleading for me to tell you that the request for access may be impacted by the opinions of the kids' therapists."

Sept. 20, 2016

This decision was made for the health of the family.

Thanks Felicity and Pride&Joy

Stan Katz