Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Announce Divorce After Two Years of Marriage
In a surprising turn of events, Hollywood icons Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have decided to part ways after two years of marriage. The divorce proceedings were initiated by Lopez, who filed the necessary paperwork on Tuesday at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, as reported by various media outlets.
A Love Story That Spanned Years
The couple, affectionately known as “Bennifer” by fans and tabloids alike, originally celebrated their union in Las Vegas in July 2022, followed by a grand wedding ceremony in Georgia the subsequent month. Their romance traces back to 2003, when they crossed paths on the set of the crime film Gigli. Although they were once set to marry in 2004, their relationship faced turbulence, leading to their split that same year.
Almost two decades later, they rekindled their love. “Love is beautiful. Love is kind. And it turns out love is patient. Twenty years patient,” Lopez expressed during the announcement of their Las Vegas wedding in 2022, highlighting the longevity of their on-and-off romance.
Divorce Proceedings and Legal Formalities
According to court filings, Lopez or her legal representative must deliver a copy of the divorce petition to Affleck. It has been reported that Lopez, who had taken on Affleck’s last name in marriage, did not specify any details regarding a prenuptial agreement in her legal request.
The court documents further state that both Lopez, aged 55, and Affleck, 52, are required to disclose their financial situations, including income, expenses, assets, and debts. They must also report any changes to their financial status until resolved through a final agreement. Lopez has a period of 60 days to submit her financial disclosure, while Affleck will have an additional 60 days following her submission to do the same. Any failure to comply with these requirements could lead to sanctions imposed by the court.
Speculations and Background
This announcement follows months of speculation surrounding their relationship. The couple has reportedly listed their Beverly Hills residence for sale at a staggering price of $65 million and have been spotted apart, often without their wedding rings.
Previous Relationships
Affleck, renowned for his dual Academy Awards, was previously married to actress Jennifer Garner, whom he met during the production of the 2001 romantic drama Pearl Harbor. The couple ended their relationship in 2015 after a decade of marriage, sharing three children together.
On the other hand, Jennifer Lopez has been married four times. Her marital history includes Cuban waiter Ojani Noa (1997-1998), back-up dancer Cris Judd (2001-2003), and singer Marc Anthony (2004-2014), with whom she shares twins. Additionally, she was formerly engaged to baseball star Alex Rodriguez.
| Name | Previous Relationships | Children |
|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Lopez | Ojani Noa, Cris Judd, Marc Anthony | 2 (with Marc Anthony) |
| Ben Affleck | Jennifer Garner | 3 (with Jennifer Garner) |
The world watches closely as the details of their divorce unfold, hoping for an amicable resolution for both stars.
