Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck in mediation as divorce may turn 'ugly' over financials, claims source
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's divorce could turn contentious as the couple, who eloped in Las Vegas in 2022, navigates the legal proceedings without the cushion of a prenuptial agreement.
A source close to the situation has revealed that their separation "has the potential to get ugly" due to unresolved financial disagreements, as per People.
Financial stakes are high in Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's divorce
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, both seasoned in high-profile relationships and business dealings, are currently engaged in mediation with prominent divorce attorney Laura Wasser, who has previously worked with Kim Kardashian and Kevin Costner.
The source mentioned that "there are some sticking points over financials."
Lopez's divorce petition, filed on August 20—the two-year anniversary of their wedding ceremony at Affleck's Savannah, Georgia estate—notes that the full extent of their assets remains "unknown" to her at this stage.
Under California state law, only the income and assets acquired during their marriage are classified as community property, making them subject to division. With significant assets including a Beverly Hills mansion listed at $68 million and their individual earnings from films and endorsements, the financial stakes are high.
Although the financial situation might complicate the divorce process, sources indicate that both Affleck and Lopez are progressing with their lives.
"He’s happy with how it’s coming along. He’s where he wants to be in a neighborhood that he loves. He is very focused on the positives," shared one insider.
A source close to Lopez noted, "The divorce is difficult for her, but she always finds a way to move forward."
Sources have also shed light on the personal dynamics that contributed to their split.
Lopez, who was filming 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' in New York on April 26, the date of separation listed in her petition, reportedly discovered Affleck had started moving out from their marital home during her absence.
"Ben began moving his things out of their shared home while Jennifer was in New York in April, effectively blindsiding her," claimed the tipster.
Upon her return to Los Angeles in May, Lopez was met with Affleck's silence—he reportedly did not respond to her attempts to communicate. The source added, "He wouldn’t answer texts or calls."
Recent developments indicate that the 'Gone Girl' actor, who shares three children with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, has been seen with Kick Kennedy, the daughter of former presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr, though he denies any romantic involvement.
Affleck has also purchased a $20 million house and is reportedly focused on settling into his new home and looking forward to his future. Meanwhile, Lopez remains resilient and supported by family and friends, finding solace amid the challenges of her divorce.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's divorce sparks online debate over it's potential to turn 'ugly'
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's divorce has ignited a flurry of online reactions, with many users expressing strong opinions about the couple's lack of a prenuptial agreement and the potential for a complicated legal battle.
One netizen downplayed the financial aspect, stating, "Eh, they both have plenty of money. Dividing assets over the last 2 years should be no big deal. I don't know that one is worth a whole lot more than the other."
In contrast, another sided with Affleck, commenting, "Her I'm on his side she plays so dirty. She lost who she was."
Predictably, some were skeptical of the relationship's longevity, with one commenting, "I knew this would not last!!! Why did they break up years ago? For the same reason that they are now."
Concerns over the absence of a prenuptial agreement also surfaced, with an individual criticizing the couple’s decision: "They may think they are good business people...but not getting a pre-nup was the stupidest thing ever!!"
One advised, "When you’re that rich, ALWAYS GET A PRENUP." Another wrote, "She has been married 1,000 times and neither got a pre-nup."
"I don’t understand not getting a prenup when this amount of money is involved. She’s been through how many divorces?!" voiced another person.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.