Brad Pitt is "crushed" by his recent custody battle with his estranged wife Angelina Jolie

A source told Us Weekly magazine: "He’s crushed. He wants to limit the fighting.

"Brad has been deferential on what’s best for them and limits their stress. You don’t just immediately create a new world."

Angelina recently confirmed the couple had signed an agreement that will see the actress retain primary custody of the children and Brad would be allowed to have supervised visits.

In a statement, her representative confirmed: "Angelina said from the beginning that she felt she had to take action for the health of the family and is relieved that after their 8-week involvement, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services is now satisfied the safeguards are put in place that will allow the children to heal."

However, it is thought the order has been put in place temporarily and Brad still wants to eventually get joint custody of the kids. But sources have claimed that Angelina feels the children are still at risk and plans to "present evidence" to the divorce judge that her ex-partner was abusive.

On announcing she was filing for divorce, Angelina insisted she had done so for the "health of her family".

Her attorney Robert Offer said at the time: "Angelina has filed for dissolution of the marriage. This 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."