Brad Pitt to adopt Angelina Jolie's children

Brad Pitt is seeking to become the adoptive father of Angelina Jolie’s children, the actor’s publicist announced early today.

A legal petition seeking to change the names of the children to Zahara Jolie-Pitt and Maddox Jolie-Pitt was filed yesterday in Los Angeles, publicist Cindy Guagenti said.

“We are confirming that Brad Pitt is in the process of becoming the adoptive father of both children,” her statement said. “No further comment is being made.”

The couple have been romantically linked since the filming of “Mr & Mrs Smith.”

For months, rumours have been circulating about the extent of Jolie’s off-screen relationship with Pitt.

Photos published in the July 11 issue of People show Jolie standing near her Buckinghamshire estate while Pitt rides a dirt bike with Maddox. Other photos show Pitt, Jolie and Maddox at Luton Airport.

Pitt and Jennifer Aniston announced their separation in January, and Aniston filed for divorce in March, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce became final in October. Pitt, 41, has denied Jolie, 30, was the reason for the split.