No Prenup for Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck

Jennifer Lopez officially filed for divorce from Ben Affleck on Tuesday, Aug. 20 in Los Angeles Superior Court, signaling the end of their marriage. The couple, who have been living apart since May, avoided discussing their relationship publicly, leaving many wondering why it took so long for a formal divorce filing. According to NBC News, the couple did not have a prenuptial agreement, which means they will have to methodically divide their assets.

Lopez and Affleck have yet to comment publicly on their divorce, leaving many details about their split and the division of their assets unknown. Their falling out has been the subject of media speculation over the past few months, largely based on anonymous sources, public sightings, and paparazzi photographs. In May, photographers noticed Affleck was staying in a rental house, rather than the mansion he and Lopez purchased together when they married. This observation fueled speculation about the state of their relationship.

Having been married for just two years, Lopez and Affleck’s wealth and assets may not be deeply intertwined, which could make the division process more straightforward. However, the absence of a prenuptial agreement could complicate matters. Their most significant shared asset was their “dream house” in Los Angeles, which they have already sold.

As news of their living arrangements spread, Lopez embarked on a press tour for her Netflix original film “Atlas.” She avoided questions about her personal life, expressing frustration when journalists attempted to broach the subject. Though Lopez and Affleck were seen together at events, such as Affleck’s children’s school play, they returned to separate residences afterward.

At the end of May, Lopez unexpectedly canceled the U.S. leg of her tour, stating she needed time to “be with her children, family, and close friends.” While many speculated this decision was related to her situation with Affleck, Variety reported that low ticket sales may have also influenced her choice.

Reports on the reasons behind Lopez and Affleck’s falling out have been varied. In June, a friend of Lopez told The Sun that the couple disagreed on the trajectories of their careers, with Affleck feeling that Lopez was “overworking” while he chose his projects more strategically. Conversely, a report by InTouch suggested their differing views on social media and personal privacy were at the heart of their issues.

Throughout the summer, other factors and rumors emerged, adding to the speculation surrounding their separation. However, neither Affleck nor Lopez have publicly discussed the details of their breakup. With their divorce filing still in its early stages, it is unclear how quickly or smoothly the process will proceed.

Source: NBC News, The Sun, InTouch, Variety