Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, the youngest daughter of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, is taking steps to legally remove her father’s surname from her name. The 18-year-old has filed a petition with the Los Angeles County Superior Court to change her legal name from Vivienne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt to simply Vivienne Marcheline Jolie. The documents, which have been made public, cite the reason for this request as “personal.”
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In the legal filing, a hearing for the petition has been set for November 2, indicating that the process is ongoing. This move marks another instance of the Jolie-Pitt children distancing themselves from their father’s surname, following similar requests made by Vivienne’s siblings, Zahara and Maddox. Zahara is seeking to change her name to Zahara Marley Jolie, while Maddox is requesting the name Maddox Chivan Jolie.
These actions highlight a notable trend within the family, as they navigate their identities amid the complexities surrounding their parents’ highly publicised split. Vivienne’s name change request particularly resonates as the children continue to forge their paths independent of the Pitt name.
The tension surrounding the family is not new. Reports of discord between the children and Brad Pitt have surfaced in the years following Jolie and Pitt’s separation in 2016 and their divorce, which was finalised in late 2024 after lengthy negotiations. Although both parents have expressed love and support for their children, the ongoing disputes have been widely covered, complicating family dynamics.
The detachment from the “Pitt” surname has been further underscored by Vivienne’s recent involvement in the arts. She was credited as “Vivienne Jolie” for her contributions to the Broadway production of “The Outsiders,” reinforcing her individual identity without her father’s surname.
Manoeuvring through the nuances of family and identity, Angelina Jolie, who is regarded as a dedicated mother, has previously discussed the importance of nurturing her children’s individuality. In an interview, she mentioned how each of her six children has unique traits and stages of development, expressing her excitement about their differing curiosities and personalities.
Despite the ongoing legal manoeuvring regarding name changes, the children’s relationships with both parents remain central to their lives. A source close to Brad Pitt has expressed concerns about the implications of these actions, lamenting the public nature of the rift and suggesting it may contribute to further strains within the family.
In addition to the name change requests, Jolie and Pitt are currently embroiled in legal disputes over Château Miraval, the vineyard they shared during their relationship. The former couple’s differences are still very much at the forefront of discussions, as Jolie recently claimed that Pitt attempted to mischaracterise her statements in court filings to access her financial records.
As Vivienne’s hearing approaches, public interest remains high concerning how the legal name changes reflect ongoing family dynamics and the lasting effects of her parents’ separation. With her petition, Vivienne is asserting her autonomy and making a distinct choice about her identity as she steps into adulthood.