Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck finalize divorce: The singer legally reverted to her birth name

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have officially finalized their divorce, marking the end of their high-profile rekindled romance. According to documents obtained by USA TODAY, Lopez, 55, filed for divorce from Affleck, 52, on August 20, the second anniversary of their Georgia wedding ceremony. Citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their split, the couple listed their date of separation as April 26.  

The dissolution of their marriage was handled without independent attorneys, as the former couple opted for a single law office to mediate the process. Notably, neither party will receive spousal support, and the exact extent of their assets remains to be determined. Lopez, who legally adopted Affleck's surname during their marriage, has reverted to her birth name, Jennifer Lynn Lopez.  

This was the second marriage for Affleck and the fourth for Lopez, whose on-again, off-again romance captivated the public for decades. The pair were first engaged in 2002 before parting ways in 2004, only to rekindle their relationship and tie the knot in 2022.  

A Year of Reflection for Jennifer Lopez  

Lopez reflected on her eventful 2024 in a poignant Instagram video montage shared on New Year's Eve as the divorce proceedings moved forward. The post, set to a cinematic orchestral version of her hit song "Waiting for Tonight," highlighted her professional triumphs and personal resilience during what she acknowledged was a challenging year.  

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The montage featured glamorous moments from her career, including the premiere of her sci-fi thriller "Atlas," clips from her documentary "This Is Me… Now: A Love Story," and her role as co-chair of the Met Gala. Lopez also included tender scenes with her 16-year-old twins, Max and Emme, whom she shares with her third ex-husband, Marc Anthony, and glimpses of her Bridgerton-themed birthday celebration in July.  

Absent from the video was any mention of Affleck. Instead, Lopez focused on her growth and strength throughout the year. "In my low moments, I've learned to just feel the feelings and then let them go," she shared in an interview snippet. Reflecting on her journey, Lopez added, "What a journey this has been. I honestly feel that the best is yet to come. It's gonna get better, and it always does. It's a beautiful life in that way."  

 A Civil Split: Affleck and Lopez's Amicable Relationship  

Despite their separation, Lopez and Affleck appear committed to maintaining an amicable relationship. Reports from PageSix reveal that the two exchanged thoughtful holiday gifts, highlighting their shared effort to part ways respectfully. Affleck reportedly purchased an autographed Marlon Brando book for Lopez from Mystery Pier Books in Los Angeles, a gesture believed to nod to her Super Bowl performance costume inspired by the iconic actor. "It was nothing over the top but more of a gesture to celebrate the holidays," an insider shared. 

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The end of Lopez and Affleck's marriage brings closure to a love story that spanned decades and weathered the spotlight's scrutiny. Their first engagement in 2002 was followed by a highly publicized breakup, only for them to reunite two decades later. Their romance symbolized second chances and hope for many of their fans, making their final split bittersweet.