Since their separation, the movie star couple have been embroiled in a bitter custody battle over their kids Maddox, 16, Pax, 15, Zahara, 14, Shiloh, 12 and twins Knox and Vivienne, 10.
Jolie has sought sole custody of the children, while Pitt is seeking joint custody.
Talking with news outlet CNN, lawyer Randy Kessler said the court decision allows Brad and Angelina to no longer be married while continuing to fight for custody.
"California is one of the unique states that lets the parties get a divorce without resolving all of the other issues," Kessler said.
"Georgia and most other states require parties to resolve everything - custody, child support, property division - before they will grant them a divorce because that motivates people to finish off the negotiations so they can get a divorce."
According to 9Honey Celebrity, the documents show Jolie's last name was legally restored after she changed to Pitt following their ill-fated married.