California law requires Shiloh Jolie-Pitt's name change to be public

David Glass, a family law expert, says Shiloh Jolie-Pitt's name change request had to be published in The Los Angeles Times. It's just part of the legal process. Shiloh, who turned 18 on May 27, wants to ditch "Pitt" from her surname. She's Angelina and Brad's kid.

Glass told PEOPLE that in California, you have to put these name change requests in the paper for a month straight before you can get a court date. This public announcement is in addition to notifying both parents in writing.

"In reality, it could not have been avoided," Glass stated. He added that name change petitions typically proceed smoothly unless the petitioner has a criminal history or is attempting to evade legal consequences.

The legal expert noted that while Brad Pitt could theoretically oppose the name change in court, it would likely be ineffective given Shiloh's age. "Because she is no longer a minor, she can essentially call herself whatever she wants," Glass said.

This development comes amid reports of strained relationships within the Jolie-Pitt family. A source close to the situation recently told PEOPLE that Pitt has "virtually no contact" with his adult children, though he maintains visitation with his younger kids.

The name change petition has reportedly upset Pitt. An insider shared with PEOPLE, "He's aware and upset that Shiloh dropped his last name. The reminders that he's lost his children are, of course, not easy for Brad. He loves his children and misses them."

Brad and Angelina split in 2016. Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, and Knox and Vivienne, both 15, are members of the Brangelina family. Since the separation, there has been nothing but chaos: courtrooms, custody disputes, you name it.

This situation has highlighted the legal steps required for a name change and the personal impacts on the family involved. The process includes public notice requirements and parental notification, as outlined by family law attorney David Glass.

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt's petition to change her name, which was filed on her 18th birthday, follows these legal procedures. As the legal process moves forward, it will ultimately be up to the court to make a decision on the name change petition.