Sources tell TMZ Brad's motivation is to stop Jolie from harming their children with a public trial.

TMZ reports Brad filed documents on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, in family court, requesting an emergency hearing.

The entertainment site reports he asked the judge to seal all documents and proceedings related to his and Angelina's ongoing battle for custody of their 6 kids.

TMZ also reports the actor claims Angelina filed the custody documents because she feared Brad was going to change their temporary agreement so he could have unmonitored visits with the children.

Brad sources say there was no reason for Angelina to file a private agreement, and make it public.