Two of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s children, Zahara Jolie and Maddox Jolie, have taken formal legal steps to remove their father’s surname from their names, according to court records filed in California.
The filings, which include the legally required publication of name-change notices in a newspaper, represent the latest development involving the famous Hollywood family. The process follows California’s legal requirements for individuals seeking an official name change through the courts.
Zahara Jolie Publishes Legal Notice for Name Change
According to publicly available court records, Zahara Jolie, 21, has petitioned the court to legally change her name from Zahara Jolie-Pitt to Zahara Jolie.
As part of the legal process, notices regarding the petition were reportedly published in the Los Angeles Daily Journal once a week over four consecutive weeks.
Under California law, newspaper publication is commonly required for many name-change petitions, allowing interested parties an opportunity to file objections before a court hearing.
Court documents indicate that a hearing is scheduled for later this year, where a judge will review the request and determine whether the name change should be formally approved.
Maddox Jolie Files Similar Request
Zahara is not the only member of the family pursuing a legal name change.
Court records show that Maddox Jolie, 24, also submitted a petition seeking to change his name from Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt to Maddox Chivan Jolie.
His legal notice was reportedly published according to California’s procedural requirements.
Documents cited in media reports indicate that Maddox listed personal reasons as the basis for the requested change.
Earlier Signs of the Name Change
The legal filings follow previous public indications that both siblings had already begun using the Jolie surname in certain settings.
In May, Zahara was reportedly introduced as Zahara Marley Jolie during graduation ceremonies at Spelman College, where she received her diploma.
Similarly, reports earlier this year noted that Maddox used the name Maddox Jolie in professional credits associated with a project involving his mother.
These developments attracted attention because they reflected a growing preference for using the Jolie surname before the legal process had been finalized.
The Jolie-Pitt Family
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt share six children:
- Maddox
- Pax
- Zahara
- Shiloh
- Knox
- Vivienne
The former couple, once among Hollywood’s most prominent celebrity pairs, finalized their divorce proceedings following a highly publicized separation that generated significant media attention over several years.
In recent years, some of their children have increasingly maintained private lives while pursuing education, creative projects, and personal interests.
Understanding California’s Name Change Process
Legal experts note that California’s name-change procedure often includes several steps:
- Filing a petition with the court.
- Publishing notice of the proposed change in an approved newspaper.
- Allowing time for potential objections.
- Attending a court hearing.
- Receiving judicial approval if legal requirements are met.
Publication of a petition does not automatically mean a name change has been approved. Final authorization generally requires a court order.
As of now, both Zahara’s and Maddox’s petitions remain subject to the court process.
Public Interest Remains High
Because of the global profile of both Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, developments involving their family continue to generate considerable public interest.
However, the current filings are legal administrative proceedings and should be viewed as part of the formal court process rather than as final rulings until judicial approval is granted.
For now, court records indicate that Zahara and Maddox are seeking to officially adopt the surname Jolie, with future hearings expected to determine the outcome of their petitions.
