Angelina Jolie insists she had to "take action" against Brad Pitt.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

The 41-year-old actress is "relieved" the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) have concluded their investigations into her estranged husband, who has now been cleared of child abuse allegations, and hopes their brood - Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and eight-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne - can now begin to "heal" as they cope with their parents' separation.

Her representative said in a statement to TMZ: "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 DCFS is now satisfied the safeguards are put in place that will allow the children to heal."

The spokesperson also confirmed the former couple - who split in September amid claims Brad, 52, had "got physical" with Maddox during a row on a private jet - have both signed an agreement which sees the 'Maleficent' star retain primary custody of the children, with the 'Allied' actor receiving supervised visits.

However, it is believed the agreement was only in place while the DCFS investigation was ongoing, and Brad it still determined to seek joint custody of the kids.

But sources claimed Angelina still feels the children are at risk and if the 'Fury' star is awarded shared custody, she will "present evidence" to the divorce judge that her former partner was abusive.

Angelina's statement echoes the one she issues after filing for divorce, in which she claimed to have 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."