Tabloid triggers rumours of a Brangelina split

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have reportedly visited divorce lawyers to help them separate.

The pair - who aren't married, but have been dating since 2004 and raise six children together - are believed to have signed legal documents earlier this month with the plan to split up in the near future.

The legal document will reportedly see their US$330 million fortune split in two, while the pair will have joint custody of their kids.

A source told the News of the World newspaper: "The document was signed in early January. Both Brad and Angelina had signed it. The contract was like a tailor-made version of a pre-nuptial agreement except for an unmarried couple's split.

"It seemed clear they want the world to know they'll both play a part in the upbringing of the children. But Angelina will actually be the one who lives with them full-time."

It is believed the pair visited a top Los Angeles law firm in December last year, and have since hired a lawyer specialising in celebrity divorces.

While an official separation date has not been confirmed, it has been claimed the couple plan to announce their split soon.

The source added: "There's no date for when the contract would come into effect. But the paperwork is already organised for a break- up - and for it to be as un-messy for them as possible. It is clear it's a case of when they break up rather than if."

However a source close to the family has reportedly told People.com the rumours are "totally false".

"Everything is fine" with the couple, another source said.

Brad and Angelina have three adopted children, Maddox, eight, Pax, six, and Zahara, five, as well as three biological kids, Shiloh, three and 17-month-old twins Knox and Vivienne.

The couple first got together in 2004 after they starred together in Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Brad ended his marriage to actress Jennifer Aniston shortly thereafter, following four-and-a-half years of marriage.

- BANG! SHOWBIZ, NZ HERALD STAFF