Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s marriage has taken a surprising and dramatic twist. After more than two years together, Jennifer, better known as JLo, has officially filed for divorce from Ben. And she did it alone.
JLo took the step of filing divorce papers at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, choosing a meaningful date—exactly two years after their second grand wedding. The couple’s separation date is listed as April 26, 2024, according to TMZ, revealing new insights into their unexpected split.
JLo Files for Divorce on a Significant Date
JLo’s decision to file for divorce on August 20, the same day as their Georgia wedding anniversary, adds a bittersweet touch to their breakup. The couple rekindled their romance in 2021 and got engaged in April 2022.
After their engagement, they surprised everyone with a Las Vegas wedding on July 16, 2022, followed by a larger ceremony a month later at Ben’s Georgia estate. JLo described that day in her On the JLo newsletter as “full-circle” and even “better” than she had imagined.
Their wedding was intimate and meaningful, with the couple walking down the aisle to the song “True Companion” by Marc Cohn. JLo wore three stunning custom wedding dresses: a turtleneck gown, a mermaid silhouette, and a chandelier pearl gown, which she called “dreamy.”
JLo Handles the Divorce Alone
In a surprising move, JLo filed the divorce documents without a lawyer, choosing to handle the process herself. This is known as filing “pro per,” and it suggests she wants to keep things under her control. She even waived her right to spousal support and asked the court to deny Ben any support as well.
No Prenup for JLo and Ben
Shockingly, the divorce papers reveal that JLo and Ben did not have a prenuptial agreement. Despite their previous marriages and significant wealth, they didn’t take steps to protect their finances. As a result, any earnings or profits made during their marriage will be considered community property.
Their Marital Home Is Still in Limbo
Although JLo has filed for divorce, the financial details are still unresolved. The couple’s Beverly Hills home is on the market, but negotiations have reportedly become tense. Both JLo and Ben are looking for new homes, marking the end of their life together.
The Rise and Fall of Bennifer
JLo and Ben, famously known as “Bennifer,” first became a media sensation in the early 2000s. They got engaged and starred together in Gigli (2003) and Jersey Girl (2004), but their romance ended before Jersey Girl was even released.
Over the next two decades, they both married other people—JLo to Marc Anthony and Ben to Jennifer Garner—but reunited three years ago. Since then, they often appeared together at public events, supporting each other’s projects. Ben even made an appearance in JLo’s Amazon Prime Video special, This Is Me … Now: A Love Story.
JLo’s latest album, This Is Me … Now, revisits themes from her 2002 album, This Is Me … Then, which was inspired by her first relationship with Ben. Fans followed their rekindled love story through JLo’s social media updates and newsletters.
Signs of Trouble
In May, JLo suddenly canceled her summer tour, saying she needed time with her family. This decision hinted at the couple’s split and eventual divorce.
The divorce news came shortly after JLo attended a Bruno Mars concert in Los Angeles on Ben’s birthday, August 15. Her appearance sparked online debates about whether she was hiding her true feelings amid their marital troubles.
On Instagram, artist Tetris shared a video of JLo dancing energetically to Bruno Mars’ “Marry You.” Dressed in a white sleeveless top and jeans, she swayed her head and raised her hands, seemingly having a great time. But some online users weren’t convinced.
One person commented, “She’s trying too hard to look happy.” Another criticized her for seeking attention, saying, “She knew she’d be videotaped. This is too much, even for JLo.” Someone else suggested her behavior might have contributed to the breakup, writing, “Calm down, Jen. It doesn’t always have to be a show… Maybe that’s why your relationship ended.”
But not everyone was critical. Many fans defended JLo, saying she was just enjoying her single life. One fan noted, “She looks like anyone else who loves music.” Another added, “Be happy, with or without Ben.”
JLo’s Social Media Buzz
JLo herself added fuel to the fire by sharing photos and videos from the concert on her Twitter account. In one post, she posed with two friends, wearing large sunglasses and flashy jewelry, including a necklace with her name on it.
In another video, she playfully explained to her followers how she drinks from a bottle. “See how I do this when I drink from the bottle, very demure,” she joked before taking a sip. “Very mindful,” she added with a laugh. She then demonstrated how she prefers to take small sips rather than chugging her drink all at once, saying, “Just little. Little by little. Very elegant. Demure. Mindful,” before walking off-camera.
JLo Still Cares
Despite the online buzz, JLo made time to visit Ben on his 52nd birthday. She was spotted leaving his rental home in Brentwood earlier that day, dressed casually in a brown jacket, blue jeans, and sneakers. She quietly exited the house and got into a large black vehicle, showing that even amidst their divorce, she still cares.
The end of Bennifer may have come as a shock, but JLo seems determined to keep living her life, dancing to her own tune.
