Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's Daughter Shiloh Chooses to Change Last Name After 'Painful Events'

An attorney representing Shiloh, the daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has addressed her decision to drop "Pitt" from her last name. Shiloh filed for the name change on her 18th birthday, and the change was publicly announced through a legal notice in the Los Angeles Times.

Shiloh’s attorney, Peter Levine, emphasized the gravity of her choice and the reasons behind it. “The media needs to handle this matter with more sensitivity,” Levine stated. “Shiloh made a significant, independent decision following difficult experiences and is simply adhering to legal requirements.”

Also Read: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: Inside Their Conflicting Parenting Styles

Levine further clarified that Shiloh did not voluntarily publicize the name change; rather, it was a necessary legal procedure. “Publishing a legal notice is required by California law for anyone seeking a name change,” he explained. “This notice, which was published in the Los Angeles Times, is a standard part of the process.”

This explanation aligns with insights from legal experts. Family law attorney David Glass informed PEOPLE that such name change petitions are typically straightforward and granted unless there are legal issues like criminal history. He noted that the publication of a name change in a newspaper is a mandatory step in the legal process, necessary for the petition to proceed.

Recent reports indicate that Shiloh's decision follows a period of limited contact between Pitt and his children, particularly after his split from Jolie in 2016. A source revealed that Pitt, 60, has had minimal interaction with his adult children and limited engagement with his younger ones due to his filming commitments. Jolie, 49, primarily cares for the children, though Pitt has visitation rights with the younger ones.

Following Shiloh’s filing, another source shared that Pitt is “aware and upset” about the name change, expressing sorrow over the strained relationships with his children. Despite being in a relationship with Ines de Ramon, Pitt finds the separation from his children difficult. A separate source confirmed Pitt’s deep love for his children and described the situation as challenging for the entire family.

–Farheen Ali