Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are continuing their divorce proceedings while maintaining a commitment to keeping things amicable for the sake of their children. According to sources, the couple, who filed for divorce in August, are working through the legal process with the help of renowned divorce attorney Laura Wasser. While the divorce is not expected to be finalized until February 2024 due to ongoing financial negotiations, Lopez and Affleck have made it clear that they intend to stay on good terms despite the split.
On September 23, Lopez, 55, was spotted at Wasser's Los Angeles office, reportedly discussing details of the property settlement with her legal team. Affleck, 51, was not photographed at the meeting, but his car was seen parked outside the office, suggesting he was present at the same location. The high-profile couple has been seen frequently visiting their separate offices in West Hollywood, where they have been hashing out the details of their divorce.
The couple, who surprised many by marrying in Las Vegas in July 2022, had no prenuptial agreement in place, which has added complexity to their financial settlement. Among the key issues is Affleck's production company, Artists Equity, which he co-founded with Matt Damon during the marriage. Deciding how, if at all, Lopez will benefit from future projects produced by the company has become a significant aspect of the ongoing negotiations.
A source close to the couple told TMZ that despite their efforts to work out the details, the divorce is "definitely on," with both Lopez and Affleck committed to moving forward separately. The insider noted, "There's a lot of history between the two. They still have a lot of love for each other, but the marriage just didn't work."
Lopez filed for divorce from Affleck on August 20, citing irreconcilable differences. The filing coincided with the second anniversary of their formal wedding ceremony in Georgia, which followed their initial Las Vegas nuptials. According to court documents, Lopez self-represented in the filing and did not request spousal support for either party. The actress and singer also requested that her last name be restored to Lopez.
The couple shares no children together, but each has children from previous relationships. Lopez is the mother of 16-year-old twins Max and Emme, whom she shares with ex-husband Marc Anthony. Affleck has three children with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner: Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12. Sources close to the family have emphasized that both Lopez and Affleck are committed to ensuring the divorce does not disrupt their children's lives. "They want to show the kids that things are amicable. There's still a lot of love," a source told People.
Despite the emotional toll of the divorce, the former couple has been seen together in public on several occasions, including a lunch outing with four of their five children in mid-September. An insider described the gathering as a chance for the kids to spend time together, noting that "happy kids are her [Lopez's] priority." The family has also come together for milestone events, such as the graduations of Affleck's children Violet and Samuel earlier this year.
Lopez and Affleck have made headlines in recent months, not only due to their separation but also for their efforts to navigate the split with minimal conflict. Known as one of Hollywood's most famous on-again, off-again couples, Lopez and Affleck first dated in the early 2000s before rekindling their romance in 2021.
Affleck has turned to Laura Wasser, often dubbed the "disso queen," to mediate the divorce. Wasser has a long history with Affleck, having previously handled his 2018 divorce from Jennifer Garner. The couple's decision to use mediation, rather than pursuing a contentious court battle, is part of their commitment to keep the process as amicable as possible.
Although rumors of reconciliation have surfaced following reports of the couple engaging in public displays of affection, insiders have dismissed these claims. One source clarified that while the two have maintained a friendly relationship, the divorce will proceed as planned. "The recent PDA at the Beverly Hills Hotel doesn't change anything-this divorce is happening," the source said.
As Lopez and Affleck continue to finalize their divorce, the couple remains focused on their respective careers and family obligations. Lopez is balancing her role as a mother with her busy acting and music schedule, while Affleck is working on new film projects under Artists Equity. With the divorce expected to be settled by February 2024, the couple appears determined to close this chapter of their lives without letting it impact their children or their professional pursuits.
