Angelina Jolie Says She and Brad Pitt Reached a Custody Agreement - Yet Sources Dispute That Claim

In a new statement, a rep for Angelina Jolie says she and Brad Pitt have reached a legal agreement about the custody of their six children. But other sources close to the situation maintain the two have not reached any new agreement, nor have they permanently settled their differences and Pitt still plans to push for joint custody.

A rep for the actress tells PEOPLE: “We can confirm that childcare professionals have encouraged a legal agreement accepted and signed by both sides over a week ago. In accordance with this agreement, the six children will stay in their mother’s custody, and the children will continue therapeutic visits with their father. This has been determined by childcare professionals to be in the children’s best interest.

“We are not in a position to discuss the details. We hope now that it is clear that the events which led to the dissolution filing involved minor children and their wellbeing, there will be understanding of the sensitivity of the family situation. We believe that all sides are committed to healing the family and ask for your consideration during this difficult time.”

Last month, the couple agreed to a temporary plan involving counseling and visitation as recommended by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services – and some sources close to the situation contend that the agreement referenced by Jolie’s rep is simply an extension of that temporary deal beyond the original Oct. 21 expiration.

Another source involved says that the deal referenced is not meant as a permanent custody agreement – it is in fact an independent step Pitt and Jolie agreed to while they attempt to work on a more permanent settlement.

Last Friday – several days after Jolie’s rep says this new agreement was reached – Pitt filed his response to Jolie’s petition, asking to share joint physical and legal custody of Maddox Jolie-Pitt, 15, Pax Jolie-Pitt, 12, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, 11, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, 10, and twins Knox Jolie-Pitt and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, 8. Sources say Pitt plans to continue to push for joint physical custody.

In her Sept. 19 divorce filing, Jolie requested sole physical custody with visitation for Pitt.