Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's high-profile split, just two years after their Las Vegas elopement, is poised to become a protracted legal battle, sources reveal. The couple's decision to forgo a prenuptial agreement may exacerbate the complexities of their divorce, as they grapple with significant financial and personal issues.
According to sources close to the situation, the absence of a prenuptial agreement means that Lopez, 55, and Affleck, 52, must navigate the division of their assets without the protective framework typically provided by such agreements. This lack of a prenup could lead to a contentious settlement process, with both parties facing substantial financial stakes.
Their ongoing divorce 'has the potential to get ugly,' a source told the People magazine.
In a recent development, Lopez's divorce petition, filed on August 20-the second anniversary of their wedding celebration-highlights the challenges they face. The petition notes that their assets were "unknown" at the time of filing. This ambiguity arises from California's community property laws, which stipulate that only income and assets acquired during their marriage are subject to division. Given the couple's recent high-value acquisitions, including a Beverly Hills mansion listed for $68 million, the stakes are high.
The ongoing mediation, led by renowned divorce attorney Laura Wasser, aims to resolve these financial disputes. Wasser, known for her work with celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kevin Costner, is helping Lopez and Affleck navigate the division of their assets, which include the mansion purchased last year and various endorsement deals. Despite efforts to keep the process amicable, the source indicates that "there are some sticking points over financials" that could complicate the resolution.
Lopez and Affleck's separation, officially dated as April 26, has reportedly been marred by personal conflicts. Sources suggest that Affleck began removing his belongings from their shared home while Lopez was in New York, a move that "blindsided" her. This reportedly led to a period of communication breakdown, with Lopez's attempts to reach Affleck going unanswered.
Affleck has since been seen focusing on his new life, including moving into a $20.5 million Brentwood mansion that he purchased in July, which coincidentally was Lopez's birthday. According to insiders, Affleck is adjusting well to his new surroundings and is "very focused on the positives." Meanwhile, Lopez is also reported to be managing the situation with resilience, surrounded by family and friends.
The public interest in their personal lives has been further fueled by speculation regarding Affleck's alleged new romance with Kick Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Despite rumors, Affleck's representatives have denied any romantic involvement, emphasizing that there is no truth to these claims.
Lopez, who shares 16-year-old twins Max and Emme with ex-husband Marc Anthony, has been house hunting since the separation, but has yet to secure a new residence. Her ongoing efforts to find a new home reflect her determination to move forward despite the emotional and logistical challenges of the divorce.
Their tumultuous relationship, which began with a high-profile romance in the early 2000s and included a dramatic breakup before their reunion in 2021, now faces a new chapter marked by legal disputes. Their initial Las Vegas elopement in July 2022 followed by a larger ceremony at Affleck's Georgia estate, symbolized a high-profile reconciliation, but their subsequent split underscores the complexities of maintaining a relationship under the public eye.
