The divorce of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck could potentially involve significant financial considerations, especially given that the former couple reportedly did not sign a prenuptial agreement before their wedding two years ago. TMZ reported on Tuesday that, according to sources close to the situation, no such agreement was made prior to their marriage, leaving any assets or income accumulated during their relationship vulnerable to division as “community property.”
Community property laws stipulate that assets and debts acquired during the marriage are equally owned by both spouses, regardless of who earned or purchased them. This legal principle means that, without a prenup to delineate their individual financial responsibilities and entitlements, both Lopez and Affleck will have to navigate the division of their shared assets and income.
Jennifer Lopez, a multifaceted entertainer and entrepreneur, added several significant accomplishments to her resume during her marriage to Affleck. Notably, she starred in and produced several high-profile projects, including the films “Shotgun Wedding,” “The Mother,” and “Atlas,” as well as the music album “This Is Me … Now.” Additionally, Lopez launched her ready-made cocktail brand, Delola, last year, which has contributed to her net worth, reportedly estimated at $400 million as of 2024.
In contrast, Ben Affleck, while also successful, has a reported net worth of $150 million. During the marriage, Affleck completed production on “The Accountant 2,” starred in “Air” and “Hypnotic,” and produced the film “The Instigators.” Despite his achievements, his financial standing is notably lower than Lopez’s, which could be a point of contention in the divorce proceedings given the lack of a prenuptial agreement.
Lopez filed for divorce on the very day of their second wedding anniversary, marking the end of a marriage that began with a highly publicized elopement in Las Vegas in July 2022, followed by a formal ceremony in Georgia a month later. This filing is Lopez’s fourth divorce, while it is Affleck’s second. The timing of the filing and the decision to proceed without an attorney suggest a desire for a swift and uncomplicated resolution.
In her divorce filing, Lopez has waived her right to spousal support and has requested that the court deny any spousal support claims from Affleck. This move indicates Lopez’s intention to keep the financial aspects of the divorce as straightforward as possible, potentially to expedite the legal process and avoid further complications.
Rumors of marital trouble began circulating in May, when Lopez attended the Met Gala alone, and Affleck was notably absent from several of Lopez’s public appearances, including the premieres of “Atlas.” Sources close to the couple suggested that Affleck had become disillusioned with the marriage, describing it as a “fever dream” and indicating his desire to end it.
In a practical move related to their separation, the estranged couple listed their $60 million marital mansion for sale in July. Meanwhile, Affleck recently acquired a new property in the Pacific Palisades for $20.5 million, and Lopez is in the process of finding a new home of her own. The sale of their shared residence and the acquisition of new properties mark a significant step in the dissolution of their shared life.
As the divorce proceedings continue, the absence of a prenuptial agreement adds a layer of complexity to the financial negotiations. The division of assets and settlement of financial matters will require careful consideration and legal resolution, particularly given the high net worth of both parties and the substantial assets involved. The outcome of these proceedings will likely be closely watched by both the public and the media, reflecting the broader implications of high-profile divorces in the entertainment industry.
