In a notable legal move, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, the youngest daughter of actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, has made progress in her petition to officially drop her father’s surname. At 18 years old, Vivienne aims to change her name to “Vivienne Marcheline Jolie,” distancing her identity from the “Pitt” designation. This development adds to a broader trend among her siblings, as both Maddox and Zahara have previously made similar requests.
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Recent court filings reveal that Vivienne published a legal notice in the Los Angeles Daily Journal, making her intentions public as mandated by California law. The notice, which details her desire to change her name, ran on several occasions throughout July and early August. A hearing to deliberate on Vivienne’s request is scheduled for November 2, marking a significant phase in her path to formalising the name change.
The court documents specify that should anyone oppose Vivienne’s name alteration, they must submit a written objection at least two court days prior to the hearing. Additionally, they would be required to appear in person to voice their concerns. Thus far, no objections have been recorded regarding her application.
The request to change her surname reflects a personal decision, as stated by Vivienne in her petition. In earlier discussions about the name change, it was reported that she sought to sever ties with the “Pitt” surname, a move that has motives linked to her personal feelings and experiences.
This recent filing comes after her siblings, Maddox, 24, and Zahara, 21, initiated similar petitions this summer, aiming to remove “Pitt” from their names. Maddox’s hearing is set for September 14, while Zahara’s will take place on September 28. Notably, Zahara made a symbolic gesture during her graduation ceremony from Spelman College earlier this year, when she chose to be recognised simply as “Zahara Marley Jolie,” further illustrating her intention to step away from the Pitt name.
Moreover, Vivienne’s aspirations to reshape her identity may be seen in context with her involvement in creative projects. Earlier this year, she was credited as “Vivienne Jolie” in the Playbill for the Broadway production of “The Outsiders,” which she co-produced with her mother, signalling her active pursuit of independence.
Other family members have also pursued similar changes. Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, Vivienne’s older sister, legally transformed her name to “Shiloh Jolie” shortly after her 18th birthday in May 2024. According to comments from her attorney, Shiloh’s name change was described as a significant step toward asserting her autonomy following challenging circumstances in her family dynamics.
Sources close to the family have hinted at ongoing tensions, suggesting that a “campaign of alienation” has impacted the children’s relationships with their father. Allegations have emerged suggesting that one parent has leveraged these tensions, contributing to the current rift.
As the legal proceedings unfold, questions surrounding the children’s relationships with Brad Pitt linger. Reports indicate that Pitt has had minimal contact with his children, particularly the older ones, with sources stating that by 2024, he had “virtually no contact” with many of them.
The ongoing developments within the Jolie-Pitt family reflect broader themes of personal identity, autonomy, and familial dynamics, as the younger generation actively seeks to define their own paths. The upcoming legal hearings will likely shine further light on this evolving situation, as Vivienne and her siblings navigate the complex legacy of their parents.