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Could Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's Divorce Lead to a Legal Battle? How Money May Make All the Difference

Hollywood couple recently confirmed their split after two years of marriage

By Mike Vulpo Sep 20, 2016 11:52 PMTags
Watch: CNBC Wealth Reporter Talks Brad & Angelina's Divorce

Whether you're an A-list celebrity or an average Joe, getting divorced is never easy.

And unfortunately, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are going to experience it first-hand sooner rather than later. With both stars having so much success in Hollywood, money is going to play a big role in this pair's split.

But even though the duo has been together for more than a decade, how long they were officially married could be what's most important.

"So there are a couple of unusual things about this relationship. Number one is they were together much longer than they were married," CNBC wealth editor Robert Frank shared with E! News. "They've only been married for two years so that means only the property and the income that they earned during those two years will be subject to a split—so called marital property or communal property."

Another big question being raised is whether or not the Hollywood couple had a pre-nup. If they didn't agree to one at the beginning of their marriage, Robert explained how major assets could be divided.

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Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie: Romance Recap
Danny Martindale/FilmMagic

"Anything that they bought during their two-year marriage, anything that they earned during their two-year marriage would be subject to negotiation," the Secret Lives of the Super Rich host explained from the CNBC newsroom. "But because both of them were really rich going into this marriage and that two-year period was not hugely active for either of them in terms of money earned or in terms of real estate purchased, it's unlikely there's going to be a big battle over a lot of money because their marriage itself and the amount of money gained during that marriage was fairly small."

As to whether or not divorce could impact future job opportunities in and around Hollywood, early signs suggest both parties will be just fine. In fact, Forbes' Natalie Robehmed explained that both stars' earnings will likely not be greatly affected.

"I mean many celebrities are able to divorce and work successfully in Hollywood," she explained to E! News. "I can only think of practical things that might impact it, if they spend a lot of time on divorce proceedings or some other logistical reasons why they can't physically work, that may impact it."

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Earlier today, Brad spoke out about Angelina's divorce filing in a statement to E! News. "I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well being of our kids," he said. "I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time."

Angelina's longtime manager Geyer Kosinski also spoke out about his client. "Angelina will always do what's in the best interest of taking care of her family," he said in an exclusive statement to E! News. "She appreciates everyone's understanding of their need for privacy at this time."

(E! and CNBC are part of the NBCUniversal family)