Beverly Hills, Jan 7 (UNI) Pop soloist Jennifer Lopez and actor Ben Affleck have finalised their divorce, officially closing the chapter on their rekindled romance.
The legal dissolution of their marriage comes 20 weeks after Lopez filed for divorce on August 20, 2024. The separation marks the conclusion of a high-profile relationship that began with a much celebrated rekindling in 2021 and culminated in marriage the following year.
The pair exchanged vows in an intimate Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022, followed by a lavish celebration with family and friends in Georgia on August 20 of the same year. However, exactly two years later, Lopez filed for divorce, citing irreconciliable differences and listing April 26,2024, as the date of their separation.
The 55-year-old singer submitted the filing to the Los Angeles County Superior Court without legal representation. She represented herself, requesting no spousal support for either party and suggesting legal fees be equally split.
She also stated that the division of their shared and separate assets would be determined at a later time. Additionally, the pop singer requested the restoration of her legal name Jennifer Lynn Lopez, according to a report by PEOPLE.
Despite initiating the split, insiders revealed Lopez wrestled with the decision. “She didn’t want a divorce. She wanted to figure things out. They love each other. Jennifer is not the type to just give up.”
The 52 year old actor, meanwhile, was reportedly focused and optimistic. He appeared to be “doing well and is very focused” in the wake of the filing: “He thrives when he has work projects. He’s been great when it comes to the kids too. He’s doing exactly what he wants. He seems very happy,” said an insider.
The cracks in their marriage became evident earlier in the year, with rumours swirling after the couple was rarely seen together following a March outing in New York. Over the summer, Lopez and Affleck led increasingly separate lives. Lopez embarked on a European vacation and celebrated her birthday and the fourth of July (US Independence Day) in the Hamptons without Affleck. Meanwhile, Affleck remained in Los Angeles, working on “The Accountant 2”.
Despite their separation, the former couple occasionally came together for family occasions, including Violet Affleck’s, (daughter of Ben and his ex-wife Jennifer Garner) high school graduation in June and a September lunch with their blended family at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
The actress recently returned from a trip to the Toronto International Film Festival, where she made her first public appearance since her divorce filing at the premiere of Unstoppable on Sept. 6 last year. Affleck, who co-produced the film, did not attend.
Last month, Lopez shared a reflective Instagram video capturing highlights from her year, including professional milestones and personal pliancy. “I am very proud of how I handle all the things. All the things,” she said in an interview included in the Instagram video, adding in another clip, “In my low moments, I’ve learned to just feel the feelings and then let them go.”
Lopez shares twins Max and Emme, 16, with ex-husband Marc Anthony. Affleck, who was previously married to Jennifer Garner, shares three children with Garner: Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12.
