Why Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Didn't Want Their Divorce to Get Ugly

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck eventually settled their divorce, and according to reports, the couple parted as friends and “never got petty” during the proceedings.

The former couple's marriage was hit by divorce rumors early last year after they weren't photographed together for weeks.

By August, Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their separation.

Nearly six months after the singer filed for divorce from Affleck, the couple have settled their divorce through mediation, avoiding a courtroom battle.

This officially marks the end of the two's relationship after their stormy romance rekindled in 2021, leading to two weddings in 2022.

After their divorce was settled, an insider revealed InTouch that Affleck and Lopez never planned on “messing” with each other and plan to remain friends.

“Jennifer and Ben are officially separated, and the only bright spot is that they never got ugly. Many thought their lawyers would pull nasty pranks on each other's behalf, but they both decided to leave the marriage as amicably as possible,” a source told the news outlet.

The insider also stated that while “there was a lot at stake, the former couple were determined not to fight over their assets.

“Ben and Jennifer weren't going to nickel and dime each other, so they respected each other too much,” the source said. “I'm not saying it never crossed their minds, it just wasn't worth it. They have too much history together. They actually parted as friends.”

While most details of the former couple's divorce settlement will remain private, Daily mail has reported that Lopez will keep the engagement ring that Affleck gave her when he proposed.

The stunning piece features a large green diamond in the center flanked by two elongated baguette diamonds, flanked by a matching pair of trapezoidal diamonds.

The “Accountant” star reportedly paid around $5.6 million for it when it was purchased, and it's likely increased in value since then.

According to TMZLopez kept her engagement ring and walked away with all the other jewelry Affleck bought her during their marriage.

The former couple consulted celebrity attorney Laura Wasser to finalize their divorce without going to court. Since they did not have a prenuptial agreement, significant mediation was required to determine who got what.

It is now believed that Lopez will keep all the earnings they have made since their divorce in April 2024. Additionally, she will drop Affleck's last name and revert to her first name on all her official documents.

Affleck, meanwhile, will not give up his stake in his production company, Artists Equity, which he founded with close friend Matt Damon.

As for their $61 million Bel-Air mansion in Los Angeles, the former couple will split the profits once it sells. The property has been on the market since July last year, but has yet to attract any committed buyers, despite the duo putting it on the public domain.

Despite the split, Lopez and Affleck remain friendly. Since filing for divorce, they have been seen together several times, partly because of the need to mediate their divorce.

Most recently, Lopez visited Affleck ahead of the Golden Globes and was seen hugging his 12-year-old son Samuel.

She also reunited with her former lover last December, exchanging gifts to celebrate the festive season.

“They have every intention of continuing to be in each other's lives despite not being romantically involved,” an insider told Page Six of the duo's ongoing relationship.

The source also claimed that the former couple will still “keep in touch when their kids are involved,” referring to their children from their previous partners.

Lopez has two children, Emme and Max, with ex-husband Marc Anthony, and Affleck has Violet, Seraphina and Samuel with Jennifer Garner.

With the dust of her divorce seemingly settled, Lopez is fully focused on her life. In a recent interview, she hinted at her plans for the new year, showing her intentions.

According to the actress, she plans to “push my boundaries creatively and see where it takes me.” Daily mail.

Those plans reportedly extend to all of her endeavors, “whether it's acting or music or producing or expanding JLo Beauty.”

She added: “I want to continue to challenge myself to grow and try new things while staying true to who I am and the ones I love.”

Lopez also deliberately left Affleck out of her 2024 recap, instead choosing special moments from her year, such as cover shoots, performances, premieres and awards shows.