It’s official—Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez have finalized their divorce on January 6, five months after Jennifer filed the initial documents, Closer can confirm. It’s a bittersweet ending to a love story that captivated the world, but as they say, all good things must come to an end.
Dividing Assets: A Peaceful Split
According to TMZ, who broke the news, both Ben, 52, and J. Lo, 55, are walking away with what they individually acquired during their marriage. This includes Ben’s production company, Artists Equity, which he co-owns with none other than his best friend, Matt Damon. Despite not having a prenuptial agreement in place, it seems the separation of assets was done amicably, proving that even in Hollywood, splits can be civilized.
The couple’s $61 million marital home is currently on the market, though the terms of how they’ll split the proceeds remain confidential, as reported by TMZ. Even in the midst of a high-profile divorce, some things are best kept private.
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Whispers of Trouble: The Summer That Changed Everything
The news of their separation didn’t come out of nowhere. For months, there were whispers about issues within their marriage. During the summer of 2024, Ben and J. Lo were spending time on opposite coasts, each working on separate projects. This was the first time Ben had spent a significant amount of time away from Jennifer, and sources revealed that they were handling the distance differently.
“She wants constant affirmation from him that she’s loved and adored,” a source told Life & Style. “But she’s not getting much of that now and Ben gets defensive and moody. The honeymoon is definitely over. If they want to stay married, they both need to make some adjustments in their behavior.”
Caught on Camera: The First Signs of Trouble
In May 2024, Ben and J. Lo were spotted in public together for the first time in 47 days in exclusive photos obtained by In Touch. This outing came just after Ben moved out of their shared home. An insider revealed to the outlet that Ben was focusing on his work and his kids. “Ben already moved out and they’ll likely have to sell the dream house they spent two years searching for,” the source said. “They’ll never stop loving each other, but she can’t control him, and he can’t change her. There’s no way it could have lasted.”
A Hollywood Love Story: The Beginning and the End
Despite the heartbreak, it’s worth remembering how their love story began. Ben and Jennifer first met on the set of Gigli in 2002, and they quickly went from friends to something more. By November of that same year, Ben proposed, and Jennifer accepted. However, their plans to get married in September 2003 fell apart just days before the wedding. Sometimes, love takes unexpected turns.
After their initial breakup, Ben went on to marry Jennifer Garner in 2005. But just a few days after celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary, the couple announced they were separating. The former couple used high-profile lawyer Laura Wasser to mediate their divorce, the same lawyer used in his divorce from the Wedding Planner star. Jennifer also hired Laura during her divorce from ex-husband Marc Anthony, with whom she shares kids Emme and Max.
Rekindling the Flame: A Second Chance at Love
Even after their first breakup, Ben and J. Lo remained friends. In 2020, Ben couldn’t help but praise Jennifer for her performance in the 2019 film Hustlers. “She’s the real thing. I keep in touch periodically with her and have a lot of respect for her,” Ben told The New York Times in February 2020. “How awesome is it that she had her biggest hit movie at 50? That’s f–king baller.”
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In May 2021, Ben and Jennifer were spotted spending time together in Big Sky, Montana, over Mother’s Day weekend. After that, they were seen together regularly, and by April 2022, Ben had proposed once again. They officially tied the knot in a surprise Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022, followed by an extravagant ceremony at his Georgia estate the following month.
Jen filed for divorce on August 20, 2024, exactly two years after their ceremony, but cited April 26, 2024, as their date of separation. While the world may mourn the end of this love story, it’s important to remember that both Ben and Jennifer are strong, resilient individuals who will continue to thrive in their respective lives.
