It seemed like the day would never come. Then, on December 30, 2024, Brad Pitt and ex Angelina Jolie signed off on their divorce after more than eight years spent locked in a bitter legal battle. “There’s a big sense of relief that it’s over,” a source shares in the latest Us Weekly cover story. “A weight has been lifted.”

Now Pitt, 61, is looking ahead. “Brad wants to get his life [back] on track and put this behind him,” says the source. “He can start over again.” He’s excited about his highly anticipated race car flick, F1, out in June. Sources say he’s hoping to eventually rebuild his relationships with his six children (he and Jolie, 49, are parents to Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 18, and 16-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne). And he’s going full speed ahead when it comes to his romance with his girlfriend of two years, jewelry exec Ines de Ramon, 35, who, according to sources, was the catalyst for Pitt finally making peace with Jolie. “Ines helped Brad move forward,” says a second source, “and think about the divorce in a new light.”

Perfect Match

Pitt and de Ramon appeared to be a great fit from the start. They were first spotted together in late 2022 and made their red carpet debut at the September Wolfs premiere. “She brings out the best in Brad,” a source told Us at the time. They reportedly spent the holidays together at his $40 million mansion in Carmel, California. (As Us previously reported, de Ramon moved into Pitt’s L.A. house in early 2024.) With a busy career keeping his schedule full, the second source explains, “Ines has [brought him] a sense of calm and peace.”

Pitt leaned on her as he and Jolie continued to duke it out in court. In addition to ongoing custody issues, Pitt sued Jolie in 2022 for selling her share of the family’s vineyard, Château Miraval. Jolie countersued for $250 million and included in legal filings an alleged account of a 2016 incident aboard a private plane in which she claims an inebriated Pitt physically and verbally abused her and the children. Pitt denied the altercation turned physical and was cleared following investigations by the Department of Family Services and the FBI.

Pitt and de Ramon have a lot of common ground. De Ramon was going through her own divorce when she and Pitt got together — she and Vampire Diaries alum Paul Wesley split in 2022 after three years of marriage. “That’s something she and Brad bonded over,” says the second source. Adds the first source: “Ines has helped Brad through this from the start. She’s been his rock.”

Their romance is a breath of fresh air for Pitt. “He had a volatile relationship with Angelina, and doesn’t have that with Ines,” says the first source. “They’re madly in love and work so well together. Brad’s happier than ever.” In July, a source told Us they enjoy “low-key date nights” at home, often cooking and watching movies together. “Brad loves how easygoing and smart Ines is.”

Positive Influence

She actively encouraged Pitt to finalize the divorce with Jolie. “Ines is very zen and doesn’t like conflict or negativity. She wants Brad to find peace, forgiveness and move on,” a source told Us in May. “From her perspective, it doesn’t make sense for him to hold on to all the animosity.”
Though Brad’s divorce is now official, the second source explains Pitt and de Ramon “aren’t putting any pressure on marriage. [Still], they’re committed to each other and very serious.” While the actor is happy to focus on his future with the jewelry designer, the source explains he “doesn’t necessarily need to get married again at this time.”

Healthy Outlet

Work has been another reprieve for Pitt. “He’s very passionate about [F1] and thinks it will be a huge success,” says the second source, noting that the Oscar winner “has always been enamored by Formula 1 and racing. He knew it would be a huge challenge, which excited him about the project.” Adds the source: “He is very focused on Ines and work. That’s what gets him through the hard times.”

Family Ties

Pitt is hopeful — but realistic — about reconnecting with his kids. Last May, Shiloh had her last name legally dropped to Jolie. (Zahara and Vivienne also appear to only use Jolie.)

“Brad isn’t in contact with the older kids. It’s a very sad situation for him,” says the second source. (In an alleged resurfaced Instagram post that Pax posted on Father’s Day in 2020, he called the star a “world-class a—hole.”) According to a third source, Pitt retains joint custody of Knox and Vivienne “but has very limited time with them, especially because of filming for F1, which required travel.” The second source says Pitt and the twins “don’t have a super close relationship,” adding, “He always reaches out and is hopeful things will eventually get better one day.”

The actor is cautiously optimistic about keeping the peace with Jolie. Their ongoing war over Miraval wages on; in November, a judge refused Jolie’s motions to dismiss as the case moves toward a trial. “Brad’s relieved the divorce is finalized. He closed that chapter many years ago and can’t believe it was dragged out this long, but he knows there’s still more to come with Miraval,” explains the second source. “This was just one hurdle for him. Still, he’s happy to have it behind him.”

For more on Pitt, watch the exclusive video above and pick up the latest issue in Us Weekly.

With reporting by Andrea Simpson & Amanda Williams

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