Robert Offer said she formally filed for "dissolution of marriage" on Monday, stating that the "decision was made for the health of the family".

"She will not be commenting, and asks that the family be given its privacy at this time," Offer added in a statement.

Nicknamed "Brangelina" by fans and the media, the couple entered into a relationship after co-starring in Mr. & Mrs. Smith and have been together since 2004, eventually marrying in August 2014.

It was Pitt's second marriage, having previously wed Friends star Jennifer Aniston, and Jolie's third after Billy Bob Thornton and Jonny Lee Miller.

According to US entertainment website TMZ, Jolie cited "irreconcilable differences" in the divorce papers and listed the date of separation of September 15.

It is understood she is asking for physical custody of the couple's six children and is asking the judge to give Pitt visitation rights.