Zahara and Maddox Brad Pitt's kids want to get rid of his last name

Two children of Brad Pitt, Zahara and Maddox Jolie-Pitt, have taken legal steps to formally remove their father’s surname from their names. According to court documents obtained by People magazine and published in the Los Angeles Daily Journal, the siblings plan to legally change their names to reflect only their mother’s last name, Jolie. This move comes after both have been publicly using only their mother's surname for some time, signaling a clear shift in identity. The process involves publishing notice of the proposed name change in a local newspaper, a requirement under California law before a court can consider such a request. Court filings suggest hearings could occur in September, indicating formal legal action is underway. If approved, Zahara will become known as Zahara Marley Jolie and Maddox will take the name Maddox Chivan Jolie. Both children have long avoided using the surname “Pitt” in public appearances. Zahara, the eldest of the two, already dropped her father’s name in 2024. This latest step marks a more official recognition of their decision to distance themselves from their father’s name, which has been widely discussed in media circles following the high-profile split of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The separation between Pitt and Jolie occurred in 2016, with their divorce finalized three years later. Reports at the time cited Pitt’s struggles with drug and alcohol use, which reportedly led to frequent outbursts of anger. The couple, who were once one of Hollywood’s most prominent couples, had six children together. The decision by Zahara and Maddox to drop their father’s surname follows similar actions by their younger sibling, Shiloh, who also removed “Pitt” from her name earlier this year. This pattern suggests a broader effort among the children to distinguish themselves from their father’s name, possibly reflecting personal or familial dynamics. Public appearances of Zahara and Maddox have shown them consistently using only their mother’s surname. Their choice to pursue a legal name change indicates a desire for formal recognition of this shift in identity. The process requires court approval, and the potential hearing in September adds a new layer to the ongoing narrative surrounding the family. The children’s decisions come amid continued public interest in the Jolie-Pitt family, particularly given the high-profile nature of their parents’ relationship and subsequent split. While the reasons behind the name changes remain private, the legal steps being taken highlight the significance of these choices for the individuals involved. The publication of the name change notice in the Los Angeles Daily Journal signifies the beginning of the formal legal procedure. This step is required by law in California to ensure transparency and allow for any objections to be raised before a court ruling. It also sets the stage for further developments in the coming months as the case progresses through the judicial system. The children’s transition away from their father’s surname appears to be part of a larger trend within the family. With Shiloh having already made a similar change, the focus now shifts to whether the legal proceedings for Zahara and Maddox will proceed smoothly. Legal experts suggest that the court will likely consider the wishes of the minors involved, though the final outcome depends on the specific circumstances presented during the hearings.