Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez Set for Divorce After Failed Attempt to Reconcile
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck appear to be headed for divorce after their final attempt at reconciliation crumbled, sources close to the couple reported.
The pair's finalized divorce documents have yet to be made official, but the imminent split marks the end of what was reportedly a last-ditch bid to save their marriage, as the Daily Mail reports.
Lopez, 55, and Affleck, 51, have been grappling with marital issues for months, leading to their decision to proceed with the divorce. While the documents are ready, they have chosen not to submit them yet, hinting at potentially unresolved feelings.
Affleck made a high-profile purchase of a $20.5 million mansion in the Pacific Palisades on July 24, which coincided with Lopez's 55th birthday. This move has been perceived as a significant indicator of their separation.
Couple Parts Ways After Multiple Properties Listed for Sale
The pair, previously seen as a power couple in Hollywood, recently listed their Beverly Hills mansion for $68 million. Concurrently, Lopez finalized the sale of her New York City penthouse for $23 million on her birthday.
Despite these significant transactions, the couple hasn't been publicly seen together for quite some time. Their prolonged separation during the summer culminated in missing their second wedding anniversary on July 16, spent in different cities.
Earlier signs of trouble emerged in May when Affleck moved into a $100,000 rental close to his ex-wife Jennifer Garner's house. Reports at that time suggested that this temporary residence marked the start of a serious rift in his marriage to Lopez.
Affleck's Bold Move Viewed As “Stab to the Heart”
Affleck's purchase of the new mansion was described by Lopez's friends as a "stab to the heart." It boasts five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and various luxury amenities, marking a definitive shift from their shared spaces.
The couple's history includes a celebrated wedding at A Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas on July 16, 2022, followed by a grander ceremony in Georgia the following month. However, their dream home purchase in May 2023 for $60 million now faces the market due to their separation.
Over the past weeks, Lopez has spent most of her time on the East Coast, while Affleck remained in Los Angeles. Their physical distance reflected their growing emotional division.
Friends and Close Sources Comment on Split
According to sources close to the couple, "They'll never stop loving each other, but she can't control him, and he can't change her." Another source stated, "Honestly, in the end, they could not come to a compromise."
Friends of Lopez expressed hope, despite the grim outlook. One said, "From what I hear there is still a lot of love," indicating that Lopez remains deeply invested in their relationship and unwilling to give up without a fight.
Lopez herself has been candid about her vulnerable state, admitting to feeling "fragile" and declaring her fans as her "biggest gift" after her Bridgerton-themed birthday party in the Hamptons.
Divorce Announcement Expected Soon
A source close to the duo revealed, "They finalized the divorce papers a month ago but are waiting for the right time to drop them," suggesting a public announcement is imminent.
When the announcement comes, it is expected that they will release a joint statement emphasizing their mutual affection and the effort they put into saving their marriage. The statement will acknowledge their deep connection while confirming their decision to proceed with the divorce.
Affleck's post-separation life, especially his new bachelor pad close to Garner, indicates his desire for proximity to his children. He shares three children with Garner from their marriage, which lasted from 2005 to 2018.
Conclusion
The separation of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck has been marked by significant life changes, including property sales and emotional strain.
Their reportedly finalized but unsent divorce documents signify a tumultuous period marked by efforts to reconcile and eventual acceptance of their differences.
The couple's official divorce announcement, anticipated soon, will encapsulate their journey from rekindled romance to an amicable parting.