The $30 million divorce that changed everything

Brad Pitt's highly publicized divorce from Angelina Jolie in 2016 marked the beginning of a long and contentious legal battle over their children's custody. The couple's separation was followed by a series of name changes among their kids, with several of them dropping Pitt's surname in recent years.

According to a source close to the actor, Pitt is not ready to give up on his family despite the setbacks. The insider revealed that knowing his children are removing his last name is upsetting for Pitt, but he continues to hold out hope for reconciliation.

Shiloh's independent move

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, the couple's 18-year-old daughter , recently filed a petition in Los Angeles court to legally drop her father's surname. The move was seen as a significant step towards her independence, with reports indicating that she hired and paid for her own lawyer to handle the process.

The decision follows similar actions by her older brother Maddox, who was listed as Maddox Jolie in the credits of the film The Last, where he worked as an assistant director.. Zahara, another of Pitt and Jolie's children, also appeared to adopt the name Zahara Marley Jolie when she joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority in June 2024.

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The children initially used the surname Jolie-Pitt, but one by one, they have been shedding the Pitt portion since their parents' separation in 2016. The source described these name changes as more than a simple legal formality; for Pitt, they symbolize a deeper estrangement that has been brewing for years.

The actor has been open about his struggles as a father, reflecting in a GQ interview on the lessons he has learned from the divorce. Pitt admitted that he grew up with a mentality that emphasized being the strong figurehead rather than truly connecting with his children.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

Despite the apparent setbacks, Pitt remains focused on his family and continues to prioritize repairing his relationships with his children.. The legal battles and name changes have been painful, but the actor is determined to show his children that he is committed to being a better father.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Pitt's efforts will bridge the gap, but for now, he holds onto hope.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The source revealed that Pitt's efforts to reconnect with his children have been met with resistance from his ex-wife Angelina Jolie. The couple's legal battles have been ongoing for years, with both parties seeking custody of their children.

The situation has been further complicated by the children's decision to drop Pitt's surname, with some of them choosing to go by their mother's name instead.