Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez have finalized their divorce, marking the end of a high-profile reunion that captured global attention.
The dissolution of their marriage comes nearly 20 weeks after Lopez initiated the proceedings, People reported.
The couple first made headlines when they rekindled their romance in 2021, eventually opting for a low-key wedding in Las Vegas in July 2022.
This reunion was a throwback to their famous early 2000s relationship, which had initially ended without marriage.
After the quiet Vegas ceremony, the duo went on to celebrate with another ceremony on August 20, 2022, in Georgia, affirming their commitment more wonderfully.
However, less than a year into their remarriage, by April 26, documents revealed the pair had decided to separate.
Lopez, handling the filings herself at the Los Angeles County Superior Court on August 20, cited "irreconcilable differences" as the underlying reason for the split.
This legal action came without her hiring a lawyer, showing her intent to manage the proceedings personally.
At the core of the divorce arrangements, Lopez asked for no spousal support from either side and requested that each party take care of their own attorney's fees.
She also sought to restore her maiden name, Jennifer Lynn Lopez, marking a formal return to her pre-married identity.
Rumors about the strain in their marriage began to circulate as early as May when Lopez was seen attending significant public events such as the Met Gala alone.
She spent much of the summer away from Affleck, staying in Europe and the Hamptons, while Affleck remained in Los Angeles. These physical distances mirrored the growing emotional gap between them.
The couple did manage to attend some public functions together during this period, including the graduation ceremony of Affleck's daughter, Violet.
However, these moments were exceptions rather than reflections of daily life, serving more as familial obligations than indicators of a romantic reconciliation.
By the time Lopez filed for divorce, she expressed a sense of relief but also a preference for resolution over dissolution. "I'm not looking for anybody," Lopez stated, reflecting her newfound focus on personal well-being and independence rather than romance.
Her public comments highlighted a journey of self-discovery and resilience, as she attended the premiere of her film "Unstoppable" at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, her first public outing since the filing.
The assertion of independence was further underlined by her statement, "It was scary to be on my own this summer but I learned I'm capable of joy all by myself."
This sentiment was amplified in a video montage where she reflected, "I am very proud of how I handle all the things. In my low moments, I've learned to just feel the feelings and then let them go."
Meanwhile, Affleck appeared to have adjusted to the changes with a focus on professional and familial responsibilities.
Sources close to him stated, "He thrives when he has work projects. He's been great when it comes to the kids too. He's doing exactly what he wants. He seems very happy."
The couple even orchestrated a family lunch with their combined children in Beverly Hills on September 16, showcasing their commitment to maintaining family unity despite their separation.
This event, while personal, also served to quell rumors and demonstrate their ongoing cooperation as co-parents.
The final closure of their legal marital ties marks the end of another chapter for Lopez and Affleck, individually and as a part of popular culture's romantic narratives.
Both have been through high-profile relationships and breakups before and this latest event, saturated with the public interest and media scrutiny, underscores the complexities and pressures of celebrity relationships.
Their respective statements and the outcomes of their divorce proceedings reveal both parties' intent to move forward respectfully and individually.
