Three Jolie-Pitt children legally seeking to drop father's surname

Two of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's children are in the process of legally removing their father's surname, according to U.S. media reports. Maddox, 24, and Zahara, 21, have published legal notices of their intent to change their last name, a required first step in California to alter one's name. Zahara's notice was published on July 9, and Maddox's on July 7. Court hearings to finalize their requests are scheduled for September 28 and September 14, respectively. This follows their sister Shiloh, who legally changed her name to Shiloh Jolie in May 2024, shortly after her 18th birthday. A source close to Pitt at the time told People that the actor was "heartbroken" by the change, stating, "He loves them and misses them." Vivienne, one of the couple's 18-year-old twins, has also distanced herself from the Pitt surname, appearing as Vivienne Jolie in the program for the Broadway musical 'The Outsiders.' Her twin, Knox, was listed as Knox Jolie on his high school graduation certificate this year, though it is unclear if he has initiated a legal name change. Only Pax, one of their three adopted children, reportedly still uses the Jolie-Pitt surname and maintains contact with some of his father's family members. Jolie and Pitt, who announced their separation in 2016 and finalized their divorce in 2024, have six children together. A representative for Pitt stated in 2024 that he had no contact with his adult children.