The divorce between Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck has taken a complicated and messy turn, with numerous financial entanglements adding to the tension.
The couple, who did not sign a prenuptial agreement before taking the plunge in a white chapel wedding, now face the daunting task of dividing their assets accumulated during their nearly two-year marriage. TMZ reports that under California law, everything acquired during their marriage is considered 'community property', meaning it must be split equally. However, this process is proving to be far from straightforward.
One of the most significant assets in question is Affleck’s successful production company, Artists Equity (AE), which he co-founded with his longtime friend and collaborator, Matt Damon. The company, established in November 2022, just four months after Affleck and Lopez tied the knot, could now become a focal point in the divorce proceedings. Since Damon is a major stakeholder in AE, there are concerns that he might be dragged into the increasingly contentious divorce.
Affleck was recently spotted having dinner with Damon and his wife at a popular restaurant, where the trio appeared relaxed and in good spirits. Despite this, the looming divorce battle casts a shadow over their professional partnership.
If AE is deemed community property, Lopez could be entitled to a share of the profits from the company’s recent and upcoming projects, including hit films such as 'Air', 'Unstoppable', 'The Instigators', 'Small Things Like These', and 'The Accountant 2'.
Meanwhile, Lopez has been busy with her own major projects, including 'Atlas', 'This Is Me... Now', 'The Mother', 'Shotgun Wedding', and 'Marry Me'. Similarly, Affleck could have a financial interest in these ventures, further complicating the division of assets.
The couple also owns a home in Beverly Hills, currently on the market, with a $20 million mortgage attached. However, there has been little interest from buyers so far.
TMZ previously reported that Lopez filed for divorce last week, and the couple has been attempting to negotiate a settlement for several months. Sources indicate that these discussions have become increasingly acrimonious, with tensions rising to the point where the pair were at times not even speaking to each other.
As the divorce proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how these financial matters will be resolved.
Early this month, singer Billy Ray Cyrus made headlines when his estranged wife Firerose, walked away with $0 in their divorce that came just months after they tied the knot.
