By LOS ANGELES — Jennifer Lopez has filed for divorce from Ben Affleck after two years of marriage, a move that could potentially entitle Affleck to half of her earnings during their union due to the absence of a prenuptial agreement.
Lopez, 55, submitted divorce papers in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, August 20, coinciding with the couple’s second wedding anniversary. The filing, made without legal representation, listed their separation date as April 26, according to court documents obtained by The Associated Press.
The lack of a prenuptial agreement has sparked significant interest in legal and entertainment circles. Family law attorney Andrew Zashin elaborated on the implications in an exclusive interview with the Associated Press.
“Without a prenuptial agreement, which is a pre-marital contract stipulating how assets will be divided, all earnings during the marriage could be considered ‘marital property’ or ‘community property,’ with each party having a 50-50 stake,” Zashin explained.
Lopez’s annual earnings are estimated at around $40 million, potentially amounting to $80 million over the course of their two-year marriage. Affleck’s income, while substantial, is believed to be less. During their union, Lopez starred in several high-profile projects including “Shotgun Wedding,” “The Mother,” “This is Me…Now,” and “Atlas.” She also launched her alcohol brand, Delola, in 2023.
Affleck, 52, appeared in “Air” and “Hypnotic,” produced “The Instigators,” and completed filming “The Accountant 2.” “Air” alone grossed $90 million at the box office.
“Jennifer’s net worth is approximately $400 million, about four times that of Ben’s estimated $160 million. The decision to forego a prenup could prove costly for her,” Zashin added.
The couple’s assets to be divided could include not only their film and production earnings but also proceeds from licensing agreements, endorsements, and the increased value of real estate and investments acquired during the marriage. Lopez’s various endorsement deals, including her beauty line (JLo Beauty) and fashion contracts (Gucci, Versace, Intimissimi), could also be subject to division.
Zashin noted, “If the value of Jennifer’s famous car collection increased over the past two years, Ben would be entitled to half of that increased value. The same applies to their various homes in California, Florida, and Georgia.”
The couple is currently in the process of selling their jointly owned $68 million home, the proceeds of which would likely be subject to equal division.
Lopez and Affleck’s relationship has been a rollercoaster spanning over two decades. They first dated in 2002 after meeting on the set of “Gigli,” got engaged, but called it quits in 2004. Both went on to marry others and have children before rekindling their relationship in 2021. They married in a small Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022, followed by a lavish event at Affleck’s Georgia estate in August 2022.
Rumors of marital troubles began circulating in May 2024 when Lopez attended the Met Gala alone. This followed an earlier incident at the 2023 Grammy Awards where Affleck appeared disengaged, leading to visible tension between the couple.
As of this report, Affleck has not responded to the court filing or hired an attorney.
Zashin emphasized that while the divorce timeline is uncertain, if the couple agrees on all terms, it could be a relatively quick process. However, he cautioned, “Divorce is a grieving process. Even if they are ready to move on, it can weigh on them emotionally.”
The high-profile nature of this divorce and the substantial assets involved make it a closely watched case in both legal and entertainment circles. It serves as a reminder of the potential financial implications of marriages without prenuptial agreements, even for high-net-worth individuals.
Source: the-sun.com
