Famous Hollywood couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have asked their London lawyers to issue legal papers against Britain's News of the World.

The tabloid is being sued over allegations the Pitt/Jolie relationship was shaky and separation was imminent.

The couple has said the newspaper falsely suggested they planned to separate and had agreed on how the division of assets and custody of their children.

Pitt, 46, and Jolie, 34, have six children.

Their joint assets are believed to be in the vicinity of $350 million.

The High Court in London will hear that the couple asked for a retraction and apology for the story prior to legal action.

The movie stars have appeared together in public since the article and have been said to be happy.