Bennifer 2.0 Is Done: Jennifer Lopez Files To Divorce Ben Affleck

Despite his marriage to Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck’s explosive relationship with Jennifer Lopez has always been the namesake of Bennifer. Bennifer dominated the headlines in the early aughts and warmed some cold dead hearts when they reunited approximately two decades later. They seemed to prove the old adage true that opposites attract, as Lopez seems to relish fame while Affleck seems to reject it. JLo even released a musical film inspired by their relationship called “This Is Me… Now”. She believed in this project so much that she poured $20 million of her own funds into producing the film. Her live tour with the same name saw disappointing sales, leading her to reannounce the tour as a greatest hits tour, and then to cancel it altogether. This is also around when rumors of troubles in Bennifer paradise began. Their shared Beverly Hills mansion was listed for sale for a whopping $68 million. On Tuesday, August 20, 2024– their second wedding anniversary- Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck.

The divorce filing came as a surprise to some, and not just because it was filed on their anniversary. One factor that surprised many is that the divorce filing revealed that the two did not have a prenuptial agreement. Prenuptial agreements, or contracts on how a divorce should proceed should a married couple break up, are fairly standard for the rich and famous, and Lopez and Affleck are each worth tens of millions of dollars, if not more. Another surprising factor is that Lopez filed the petition without a divorce attorney listed as her legal counsel. Again, with individuals with such high net worth, lawyers are typically involved because of how much is at stake. Lastly, the divorce petition states that the pair’s relationship was over in April, confirming the headlines that were previously only considered gossip. 

Stars are just like us, and sometimes (or most of the times, as it seems in Hollywood) relationships don’t work out. Even then, it is uncommon to see two individuals worth several million dollars each reunite for a 2-year marriage in their 50’s. As compared to some high-profile divorces throughout history, Bennifer’s seems to be amicable so far. It has not been a media or courtroom spectacle, and any other proceedings throughout the divorce will likely be kept under wraps.

Community Property In High Net Worth Divorces

JLo filed her divorce petition in a Los Angeles County Courthouse. Like California, Arizona uses community property rules when dividing property in divorce, so Bennifer’s case would proceed similarly if it had occurred here. Some states use equitable division instead, which could have drastically different outcomes from community property division. However, community property and equitable division are rules the judge uses if the couple can’t come to an agreement outside of court, which divorcing couples are encouraged to do. Some spouses even use mediation to execute a consent decree for property division and other divorce issues. But when the spouses ultimately can’t put aside their differences and agree upon how to divide their property, the judge will get involved and make a ruling on the case. 

When two spouses are married in a community property state, everything they acquire is considered community property. This includes income in many forms as well as debts. Property and debts acquired before marriage or after a petition for divorce, legal separation, or annulment has been filed are considered that spouse’s separate property. Income derived from separate property also remains that spouse’s separate property- for example, let’s say a wife purchased a condo before marrying her husband, at which time they purchased a house together. If she were to rent out her condo to tenants during her marriage, that income would theoretically be considered her separate property. Things can become more complicated if joint account funds were used to update and maintain the condo throughout the marriage, which is a process known as “commingling.” 

Usually, the saying “more money, more problems” rings especially true during divorce. As just one of Bennifer’s residences is worth more than most families will earn over the course of several generations, one would think that divorce lawyers would be salivating to take them on as clients. But perhaps here, because they both are so wealthy on their own, they don’t need to argue as much over who gets what. Additionally, they were only legally married for two years, and most of their net worth probably comes from before their wedding. 

Proceeding With Family Law Matters Without An Attorney

Perhaps the most shocking of the Bennifer divorce is that JLo filed the petition pro se. But as her continued relationship with Affleck’s children indicates, Bennifer intends to proceed with their divorce amicably. While being wealthy leads many to retain expensive divorce attorneys to represent their interests, Affleck and Lopez have both been married before and have undoubtedly retained attorneys for other purposes over the course of their careers. Additionally, the two did not have any children together, which eliminates the need to resolve issues like child support and child custody during a divorce. But if you share children with your spouse, were married for a longer duration than Bennifer, or have other factors that make your divorce more complicated, you will likely benefit from retaining a skilled divorce lawyer. 

While some divorces are less dramatic than others, divorce rarely comes without a great deal of emotional stress that can begin to manifest itself physically and in other aspects of the family’s life. It is harder to make good decisions while experiencing stress. And without extensive legal experience, it can be difficult to discern which issues need to be taken seriously and which are just smoke and mirrors which will aggravate existing issues. Even if divorcing spouses are friendly and agree on all issues, divorce representation can ensure that assets are being split fairly and the spouses are informed on how the divorce orders will affect them in the future, e.g., distribution of joint retirement funds. 

If you’re on the fence about whether your divorce case requires legal representation, you don’t need to come out of pocket to learn more about your options. Our skilled Arizona divorce attorneys at My AZ Lawyers offer initial consultations by phone free of charge. Get started today with your free consultation by phone by calling 480-680-9126. 

Learn More About The Process Of Filing For Divorce In Arizona With Your Free Consultation

Property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support are all issues that may become relevant if you divorce your spouse in Arizona. If you are parting ways under less-than-amicable terms, you might need to be concerned about your ex pushing the boundaries of the law to be vindictive. Entering any kind of legal matter without experienced representation is a surefire way to start your case off with a disadvantage, and divorce is no exception. Thankfully, our experienced Arizona divorce lawyers have the skills to represent you throughout a variety of family law matters. Hire a legal team you can trust because we have countless satisfied clients who have gone through situations similar to yours. Get started today with your free consultation- call 480-680-9126. Don’t hesitate to contact us today!