Jennifer Lopez 'Relieved' After Filing For Divorce From Ben Affleck Despite Not Wanting To
By Favour Adegoke on August 26, 2024 at 10:15 PM EDT
Jennifer Lopez is moving forward with her life after filing for divorce from Ben Affleck on the day of their second wedding anniversary.
The actress reportedly didn't want the divorce to happen but is "relieved" after making the decision. She also has the love and support of her friends and family, who believe it's the right move.
Jennifer Lopez decided to file her divorce paperwork without a lawyer, which experts say shows her resolve to move forward.
Jennifer Lopez Didn't Want The Divorce To Happen But 'Seems Relieved'
A source close to the music superstar spoke to People Magazine and revealed that Lopez is "doing as well as she can" after making the huge move to end her marriage legally.
She filed for divorce on what would have been the two-year anniversary of their beautiful and lavish Georgia wedding.
The source revealed that Lopez never wanted a divorce, but Affleck left her no choice. They said, "It's been incredibly difficult for her that Ben chose to pull away from their marriage and move on with his life, leaving her behind. She didn't want a divorce. She wanted to figure things out. They love each other."
The source insisted that Lopez is "not the type to just give up" on anything, much less marriage, but she really had no choice because "it's been almost torture for her to wait around."
However, now that Lopez has finally filed for divorce, the "Atlas" star reportedly "seems relieved."
The Singer's Friends And Family Support Her Decision
The source also shared that Lopez's family and friends agree that the divorce "was the right decision" for the couple.
They said, "She's surrounded by a lot of love and support. She'll be fine. She's strong and always comes out on top."
Friends of the music star had previously told Page Six that Lopez believed she could still salvage her marriage to Affleck despite them living apart for months already.
One friend said, "She loves him, she will always love him, that's the problem."
However, by Lopez's 55th birthday last month, it was clear that their marriage was ending.
Friends hoped the "The Accountant" actor would join his wife in the Hamptons for her Bridgerton-themed birthday party, but he was a no show.
The couple also failed to acknowledge each other's special days on social media, with Lopez opting to post a photo of herself on Affleck's birthday without wishing the actor a happy birthday.
Ben Affleck Has Reportedly 'Not Been In Touch' With Jennifer Lopez's Kids
Amid their marital troubles, sources claim that Affleck has not been in contact with Lopez's kids, despite the singer forming a close bond with his own children.
Lopez shares twins Max and Emme, 16, with her ex-husband, singer Marc Anthony, while Affleck has kids, Violet, 18, Fin (Seraphina), 15, and Samuel, 12, with his ex-wife, actress Jennifer Garner.
While speaking to People Magazine, a source noted how odd it was that Lopez talked about how good a dad Affleck was, and yet he has not seen her kids in a long time, even though she is close to his.
"[Jennifer] went out there and told the world what a great dad he was," the source said. "The fact that he has not seen her kids in a long time, it's like he left, but she is especially close to his kids."
Noting how good a mom Lopez is, the source stated that Lopez also stays in contact with Marc Anthony's kids from his previous relationship.
"But she's also close to Marc's kids from [his] previous relationship," they said, adding, "She keeps in touch with the children, and she's a good mom."
Jennifer Lopez Filed For Divorce Without A Lawyer
Lopez and Affleck's divorce wasn't a shock due to recent rumors of their separation. However, many were stunned that the "On The Floor" singer filed the paperwork by herself.
She walked into the Los Angeles County Superior Court without an attorney present and filled out the necessary documentation.
A legal expert spoke to People Magazine about the decision, saying that Lopez filing her divorce paperwork without a lawyer is an extremely unusual move.
They also said that it shows that the "Marry Me" actress "just wanted to get this done" and move forward with her life, which for Lopez means focusing on her kids and career.
Marilyn Chinitz, a legal expert, gave her opinion on Lopez's decision to file solo. She said, "I think that she most likely just wanted to get this done, [that] there was a lot of hesitation and hemming and hawing back and forth, and it's a statement: 'I'm moving forward, I'm filing and I'm doing it on my own.'"
Jennifer Lopez Wants To Drop Ben Affleck's Last Name
According to the court documents obtained by People, after Lopez filed for divorce, the actress requested that the court restore her maiden name, effectively dropping "Affleck" as her last name.
If granted, the "Papi" singer would return to being legally known as "Jennifer Lynn Lopez."
In the divorce filing, Lopez cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for her and Affleck's separation.
She also indicated that neither of them wanted the court to award any spousal support, and they never had kids, so there's no issue of custody or child support.