Zahara Jolie-Pitt has moved one step closer to officially removing Brad Pitt's surname from her legal name after completing an important requirement in California's name change process. The 21-year-old daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt has finished the required public notice period, bringing her closer to a final court decision.
According to documents reviewed by USA TODAY, Zahara completed the legal requirement of publishing her name change request in the Los Angeles Daily Journal for four consecutive weeks. If no objections are filed, a judge is expected to review and approve her request during a scheduled hearing on 28 September.
The name change comes after Zahara has already appeared to use the shorter surname 'Jolie' in several public moments. Her decision has drawn attention as she continues to create her own identity while growing up as the daughter of two of Hollywood's biggest stars.
Zahara Jolie-Pitt Completes Legal Name Change Requirement
Under California law, anyone seeking a legal name change must publish their request in an approved newspaper for four straight weeks within a set period after filing. Zahara's notice was reportedly published on 16 June, 23 June, 30 June, and 7 July, completing the required step before her court appearance.
The public notice process allows anyone with concerns about the requested name change to raise an objection before a judge makes a final decision. Since the requirement has now been completed, Zahara's request can move forward to the next stage of the legal process.
The legal filing follows years of public interest surrounding the Jolie-Pitt family and their personal lives. Zahara, who has mostly stayed away from Hollywood attention, has continued focusing on her education and personal growth while studying at Spelman College.
Zahara Has Used the Jolie Name in Public Appearances
Before beginning the official legal process, Zahara had already been using a shorter version of her name in some public appearances. In 2024, she introduced herself as 'Zahara Marley Jolie' during an event for Alpha Kappa Alpha, the historic sorority she joined while attending Spelman College.
A video shared by Essence showed Zahara introducing herself without including Pitt in her surname. The moment quickly gained attention as fans noticed that she appeared to be publicly embracing her mother's last name.
During her May graduation ceremony, another social media video showed the announcer calling her name as 'Zahara Marley Jolie' before she walked across the stage. The appearance further showed that the name she used publicly matched the identity she was seeking to make official.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's Children Continue Growing Up
Zahara is one of six children shared by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, who became one of Hollywood's most famous couples before separating in 2016. Their divorce was finalised in 2019, but the former couple has remained in the spotlight due to ongoing family-related matters.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s son Maddox and daughter Zahara are publicly saying they want to cut ties with their famous father. pic.twitter.com/lRoK2HIHbu
— ExtraTV (@extratv) July 14, 2026
Angelina Jolie adopted Zahara from Ethiopia in 2005 when she was six months old, and Brad Pitt later became her legal parent. Since then, Zahara has grown up surrounded by public attention while also building her own interests and achievements away from acting.
As the Jolie-Pitt children enter adulthood, several have taken steps to create identities separate from their parents' fame. Zahara's decision reflects her personal choice about the name she wants to carry as she continues moving forward.
What Happens Next in Zahara's Name Change Case
The final decision on Zahara's request will be made during her upcoming court hearing on 28 September. If the judge approves the petition, her legal name will officially change and no longer include Pitt as part of her surname.
😬 Another one of Brad Pitt's children is one step closer to dropping his last name. Court documents obtained by TMZ show Zahara has completed a required step to legally change her name to Zahara Marley Jolie. pic.twitter.com/FsyodnzLih
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 13, 2026
At this stage, there have been no reported objections to the request following the completion of the newspaper publication requirement. The court will now review whether all legal steps have been properly followed before making a final ruling.
For Zahara, the name changes mark a personal milestone as she continues stepping into adulthood. While her family history has always attracted public attention, she is now choosing how she wants to be recognised in her own way.
