Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck Show Us That “Love Don’t Cost A Thing” When Divorce Is Done Right

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, who have experienced very public divorces in the past, appear to be handling their current relationship in a more secretive and private manner.

Guest writers: Marilyn Chinitz and Morgan Fraser Mouchette

After much speculation from the media and public, it has been confirmed that the relationship between Jennifer Lopez (also known as J.Lo) and Ben Affleck, known as Bennifer 2.0, is coming to an end through divorce. Their history has been complicated, with a canceled engagement in 2004 and a reunion in 2021, keeping them in the spotlight for over twenty years. On August 20, 2024, exactly two years after their wedding in Savannah, Georgia, Lopez filed for divorce from Affleck in the Los Angeles County Superior Court without legal representation, indicating a desire to swiftly move on. With the divorce now confirmed, let's take a look at what the couple did well.

Following their initial relationship and subsequent cancellation of their first engagement in the early 2000s, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck got back together as a couple in 2021.

They Didn't Weaponize The Media

The breakup of a marriage can be a very difficult and emotional time for anyone, whether they are famous or wealthy. For celebrities and those with a lot of money, the added stress of being constantly watched by the public can make things even harder for the couple and their loved ones. The media has a lot of power in shaping how people see the situation and can sometimes distort the truth.

Because of this, many well-known couples are choosing to release a statement together quickly to show solidarity and stop rumors in the media. On the other hand, staying silent is another option to avoid drama in public, as seen with Lopez and Affleck. Both have experienced public divorces in the past – Lopez with Marc Anthony in 2014 and Affleck with Jennifer Garner in 2018 – and may be staying quiet to prevent further speculation from the media. As of now, neither of them have made any official statements about their separation.

Looking back, it seems that Lopez and Affleck were probably following this strategy in the months before they filed for divorce. They were not seen together on their second wedding anniversary in July or on Lopez's 55th birthday, which added fuel to the fire. However, neither of them made any public comments. Lopez officially stated their separation date as April 26, just before rumors of divorce started circulating in early May. This shows that they were dedicated to not saying negative things about each other in the media.

Settlement Likely Reached Through Mediation

Many famous couples choose to use a mediator, someone who is not on any side and helps settle disagreements fairly. This helps make the separation process easier and more private. Nowadays, a lot of celebrities also use private judges for the same reason - to keep their personal lives out of the public eye and protect their families from any harsh court battles. Since both Lopez and Affleck have been divorced in the past, and considering Lopez filed for divorce without a lawyer, it's probable that the couple has been working with a mediator since they split in April to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Although the divorce papers didn't talk about a prenuptial agreement between Lopez and Affleck, because they were only married for a short time, any assets they acquired together in the last two years will probably be divided equally. Their individual earnings and royalties will probably be easy to sort out as well. If Lopez receives a settlement during mediation, there may be no need to mention a prenup. Since both of them are successful on their own, they may not be fighting over each other's money and belongings down the line.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have a total of five kids between them. Lopez has twin 16-year-olds from her previous marriage to Marc Anthony, while Affleck has three children aged 18, 15, and 12 with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner.

Considerate Steps To Blending Families

In total, Lopez and Affleck have five kids - Lopez has 16-year-old twins with her ex Anthony, and Affleck has 18, 15, and 12-year-old kids with Garner. Over the years, both sets of parents have worked hard to keep their children away from the public eye and shield them from any negativity that may arise from being famous. Lopez and Affleck clearly prioritize protecting their kids from any emotional distress or media criticism, showing their strong commitment to maintaining privacy and confidentiality during this time.

Similarly, the emotional connection they have towards their kids may have influenced the legal details in this divorce. Some divorce agreements include confidentiality agreements and non-disparagement clauses to prevent either person from saying anything negative about the other, either in person or on social media.

It seems like Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's romance might not be successful this time around, but one thing is clear - they have managed their breakup in a mature and respectful way. Their low-key and careful handling of their divorce is something that all couples can take notes from.

Marilyn Chinitz is a top lawyer at Blank Rome, specializing in family law for over three decades. She is renowned for her work with famous celebrities and prominent clients, handling cases that have garnered widespread recognition both nationally and internationally.

Morgan Fraser Mouchette is a Partner at Blank Rome in New York City, where she specializes in handling complicated legal issues related to marriage for wealthy and well-known clients. She offers personalized and thoughtful assistance to help individuals and families navigate through challenging situations, such as divorce, and move forward with their lives.