AceShowbiz -

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt finally released their first joint statement regarding their ongoing messy split on Monday night, January 9. In the statement obtained by The Associated Press, their reps said that the estranged couple agreed to handle their divorce and custody battle confidential by using a private judge.

"The parties and their counsel have signed agreements to preserve the privacy rights of their children and family by keeping all court documents confidential and engaging a private judge to make any necessary legal decisions and to facilitate the expeditious resolution of any remaining issues," read the statement. "The parents are committed to act as a united front to effectuate recovery and reunification."

Jolie filed for divorce last year in September due to irreconcilable differences. The "Maleficent" actress and Pitt have since been in the midst of a public divorce and custody war over their kids, Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 8. Jolie is seeking physical custody, while the "Allied" actor has requested joint custody.

Pitt was accused of abusing Maddox aboard a private flight before Jolie made the filing, but was eventually cleared of all allegations by the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services and the FBI. It was reported last week that Jolie agreed to seal their custody documents, but she said that Pitt was "terrified the public will learn the truth."

In the current agreement, Jolie has full physical custody of their six children, while Pitt is allowed to visit them with a therapist's approval.