Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have officially finalized their divorce, marking the end of a two-year marriage that captivated fans worldwide. Court documents obtained from the Los Angeles County Superior Court confirmed the settlement, which was signed on Monday, nearly 20 weeks after Lopez filed for dissolution of marriage on August 20, 2024.
The couple, known collectively as "Bennifer," rekindled their romance in 2021 after first dating two decades earlier. Their reunion culminated in a surprise Las Vegas wedding in July 2022, followed by a lavish ceremony in Georgia a month later. However, their union faced challenges, and Lopez cited irreconcilable differences in her filing, listing April 26, 2024, as their date of separation.
Lopez, 55, filed her petition on the two-year anniversary of their Georgia nuptials. The petition was filed without legal representation, requesting no spousal support for either party and splitting attorney fees. Additionally, Lopez sought to restore her former name, Jennifer Lynn Lopez, signaling her intention to move forward independently.
The divorce settlement, described as uncontested, saw both parties waive spousal support and any further discovery proceedings. A source close to Lopez noted her mixed emotions during the filing process. "She didn't want a divorce. She wanted to figure things out. They love each other," the source revealed to PEOPLE. However, the source added, "She seemed relieved after filing."
Affleck, 52, appeared to adjust differently. "He thrives when he has work projects. He's been great when it comes to the kids too," another insider shared. His professional commitments over the summer, including work on The Accountant 2 in Los Angeles, kept him busy as rumors of marital strain surfaced.
The couple's separation became more evident in their public appearances-or lack thereof. By May 2024, Lopez was seen attending events like the Met Gala and promoting her film Atlas alone. The summer months saw Lopez vacationing across Europe and the Hamptons while Affleck remained on the West Coast. Despite these signs, they were spotted together on rare occasions, such as their attendance at Affleck's daughter Violet's graduation in Los Angeles.
The duo shares a blended family from previous marriages. Lopez co-parents twins Max and Emme, 16, with ex-husband Marc Anthony. Affleck shares three children-Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12-with ex-wife Jennifer Garner. The couple's efforts to prioritize family were evident when they were seen dining together at the Beverly Hills Hotel's Polo Lounge in September with their children.
Reflecting on her challenging year, Lopez shared a video montage on Instagram in December 2024, highlighting her professional achievements and personal growth. "In my low moments, I've learned to just feel the feelings and then let them go," she remarked in one segment.
Lopez and Affleck's love story began on the set of Gigli in 2002, leading to an engagement and plans for a wedding in 2003. However, their relationship ended in early 2004. Their reunion in 2021 brought renewed hope for fans of the couple, culminating in their intimate weddings in 2022. Affleck's romantic proposal in April of that year, while Lopez was taking a bath, became a hallmark of their rekindled romance.
Despite the ultimate dissolution of their marriage, both appear to be focusing on personal growth and their respective careers. With the divorce now finalized, Lopez is set to drop "Affleck" from her name, symbolizing the closing of this chapter in her life.
