Brad Pitt Wants To Be A Dad

(CBS/AP)  Brad Pitt is seeking to become the adoptive father of Angelina Jolie's children, the actor's publicist announced Friday.

A legal petition seeking to change the names of the children to Zahara Jolie-Pitt and Maddox Jolie-Pitt was filed Friday in Los Angeles, publicist Cindy Guagenti said in a written statement to The Associated Press.

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

The couple has been romantically linked since the filming of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith."

For months, rumors 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 England estate while Pitt rides a dirt bike with Maddox, 4. Other photos show Pitt, Jolie and Maddox at Luton Airport outside London.

Both children were adopted by Jolie. Zahara is just under a year old.

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.

Earlier this week, Aniston and actor Vince Vaughn were pulled over in Scottsdale, Ariz., police said. Vaughn passed a sobriety test and was not cited for any violation, police said.

For months, reports have swirled that Vaughn, 35, and Aniston, 36, are dating. Last month, People magazine published photos showing the couple kissing in Chicago, possibly confirming that their relationship has grown romantic.