Jolie and Pitt children drop father's surname in legal moves

A significant familial rift appears to be deepening for Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, as three of their children are in the process of legally removing their father's surname. Maddox, 24, and Zahara, 21, have taken the first legal steps by publishing notices of their intent to change their surnames, according to US media reports.

This move follows their older sister, Shiloh, who legally changed her name to Shiloh Jolie two years ago, coinciding with her 18th birthday. The legal process for Maddox and Zahara involves publishing their intention in a public forum, a requirement under California law, with hearings scheduled for September.

Further distancing themselves from the Pitt surname, Vivienne, one of the 18-year-old twins, was credited as 'Vivienne Jolie' in the program for a Broadway musical produced by her mother. Her twin brother, Knox, also appeared as 'Knox Jolie' on his high school graduation certificate, though it remains unclear if he has initiated formal legal proceedings.

Only Pax, the third adopted child, continues to use the 'Jolie-Pitt' surname and reportedly maintains contact with some members of his father's family. The estrangement between Pitt and his adult children has been a subject of media attention since Jolie and Pitt's separation in 2016, with sources close to Pitt expressing his distress over the loss of contact with his children.