Things between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have been hostile since their shocking split and it has taken "a lot of family therapy" to finally reach an agreement on how they will be raising their six kids.
The former couple went through a public custody battle after parting ways in 2016 and have since struggled to get along, but in a surprising turn of events last week it emerged that Pitt and Jolie would reportedly be co-parenting Maddox, 18, Pax, 16, Zahara, 15, Shiloh, 14, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 11.
They had a lot of bitterness to work through before they could reach the amicable decision.
"They definitely needed help figuring out all the child-custody issues and how Brad could be a dad again," a source told People in this week's issue. "Since the kids are older now, they are no longer dealing with separation issues from Angie."
The insider added that tension between Pitt and Jolie has thawed over the years.
"It's taken them a long time, with a lot of family therapy, to get to this point," the source continued. "The younger kids go back and forth between their houses, and Brad loves spending as much time with them as possible. He seems much happier."
Last month, Pitt sparked renewed interest in his relationship with Jolie when he was spotted leaving Jolie's Los Angeles mansion following a two-hour meeting. Days prior to their secret meeting, Jolie spoke out and said she divorced Pitt for the sake of their children.
"I separated for the well-being of my family. It was the right decision," she told Vogue India in an interview published in June.
"I continue to focus on their healing. Some have taken advantage of my silence, and the children see lies about themselves in the media, but I remind them that they know their own truth and their own minds," Jolie added. "In fact, they are six very brave, very strong young people."