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Signing Off

Originally posted Thursday March 31, 2005 12:00 PM EST

Jan. 19: Aniston (with costar Scott Caan) reported to the Bel Air set of Friends with Money. While filming, the actress stayed in an L.A.-area hotel. She was also spotted wearing her wedding ring while leaving the set. Photo by: 564 / Most Wanted / ZUMA

While Mr. and Mrs. Smith got ready for their close-ups, Mr. and Mrs. Pitt were quietly bidding the world farewell. In the brief, five-page divorce papers, Aniston cites "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split, asks to have her name restored to Jennifer Joanna Aniston (she had legally taken Pitt's last name when they married) and, unsurprisingly, doesn't ask for spousal support. (She's worth an estimated $80 million to Pitt's $100 million.)

From here, expect the divorce to proceed with a minimum of fuss. If Aniston and Pitt can privately agree on how to divide their property, Pitt need not respond to her filing in court. "Most likely the public will never see their settlement agreement," says L.A. divorce lawyer Lynn Soodik, who has represented Meg Ryan.

The divorce could be finalized as soon as September after a mandatory six-month waiting period. "There'll just be some notice that a judgment has been entered," says Soodik, "and that'll be it."

One possible point of contention has already ben dealt with: Sources say Aniston wants to keep their showcase $13.5 million Beverly Hills mansion. Pitt was ready to sell it and move on, but he doesn't want to make her unhappy: He'll leave it off the market and in her hands.

Not that anyone expected the couple – who remained so close after their separation that reconciliation rumors flew constantly – to come out fighting at this point. Friends and family reacted to the news of Aniston's filing with disappointment and resignation. "It's sad," one close relative said simply.

Friends have said that after their separation, the two did entertain thoughts of getting back together. "The separation is a step back to see if their relationship is going to be forever or if it's not," a source said at the time. That Aniston, not Pitt, was the one to cast the official vote for not may reflect her decision-making in the breakup. She initiated the separation just a step ahead of her husband, sources have said.