Judge Grants Name Change for Jolie's Children

SANTA MONICA, California (AP) -- A judge granted a request Thursday by Angelina Jolie to change the names of her two children to reflect that Brad Pitt intends to become their adoptive father.

"The court granted the name change," lawyer Evan Spiegel, who represents Jolie, told reporters outside court. He did not take questions.

Neither Jolie nor Pitt, who co-starred in the film "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," attended the hearing.

The names of the children will become Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt and Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt. Zahara celebrated her first birthday on January 8. Maddox, a boy, is 4.

(cnn)