In a significant legal shift, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, the daughter of famed actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has officially dropped "Pitt" from her last name, aligning her identity more closely with her mother following a series of personal challenges.
On her 18th birthday, Shiloh formalized her decision through a legal process in California, signaling a new chapter in her life, People reported.
When she filed a petition, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt's journey to changing her last name began on May 27, her 18th birthday. This step was necessitated by California law, which requires a formal petition and subsequent legal notice in a local newspaper. This notice appeared in the Los Angeles Times, as mandated, but was not an advertisement initiated by Shiloh.
According to her attorney, Peter Levine, Shiloh's decision was deeply personal and driven by "painful events" from her past. Levine noted that media misreporting added confusion, clarifying that the legal notice was a requirement, not a personal declaration.
Family law attorney David Glass explained that Shiloh had to notify both parents in writing and publish a notice in the newspaper for four consecutive weeks before the hearing. This process ensures transparency and allows for rare objections, typically related to criminal intent or evasion of liabilities.
Shiloh's decision comes amid broader familial challenges. Brad Pitt, her father, reportedly has had minimal contact with his adult children following his separation from Angelina Jolie in 2016.
The estrangement has been brutal on Pitt, who maintains visitation rights with his younger children, including twins Knox and Vivienne, despite a busy filming schedule.
A source close to the family revealed the emotional toll the separation and ensuing custody arrangements have taken on Pitt. "The reminders that he's lost his children, is of course not easy for Brad. He loves his children and misses them. It's very sad," the source stated in June.
Another source affirmed Pitt's enduring affection for his children despite these difficulties. "He still loves all of his kids tremendously," they noted, emphasizing the profound impact the entire process has had on the family.
In his continued defense of Shiloh's privacy and choices, Peter Levine criticized the media's rush to sensationalize personal legal actions. "The media should be more careful in their reporting, especially when covering a young adult who has made an independent and significant decision following painful events and is merely following the legal process," he argued.
Levine also specifically addressed misconceptions about the legal notice: "Shiloh Jolie did not take out an 'ad' announcing any name change, and any press reporting that is inaccurate," he clarified, highlighting the procedural nature of the notice.
In California, name changes are structured to ensure transparency and fair communication. Individuals must notify both parents in writing, promoting open family dialogue.
The law also requires newspaper publications over four weeks to invite any lawful objections before finalizing the change. These measures help prevent misuse, such as evading legal responsibilities.
As David Glass explains, "These name change petitions usually run very smoothly and are granted unless the person has a criminal history and is trying to get away from punishment or liabilities."
With the legal hurdles cleared, Shiloh now bears the name Shiloh Jolie, marking a significant step in defining her identity apart from her father's surname. This change has been legally structured and publicly documented to ensure transparency.
Shiloh Jolie-Pitt's transition to Shiloh Jolie reflects her personal choices and experiences. The process, conducted in accordance with California state laws, involved notifying both parents and publishing the required notices.
Despite Brad Pitt's sadness and the challenging family dynamics, this change represents an important chapter in Shiloh's life, balancing personal decisions with legal and family considerations.
