Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez: The Rekindled Romance That Burned Out in Two Years
They were the 2000s fairy tale that finally happened — and then ended without a prenup
Key Facts
What Happened
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez first got engaged in 2002, becoming one of Hollywood's most iconic couples. They called off their wedding in 2003 and went their separate ways. Nearly 20 years later, in 2022, they rekindled their romance and married in a surprise Las Vegas ceremony followed by a lavish celebration at Affleck's Georgia estate. The internet called it 'Bennifer 2.0' and the reunion captivated the public.
By mid-2024, cracks appeared. Reports indicated the couple had been living separately, with Affleck spending time at a rental property while Lopez remained in their $60 million Beverly Hills mansion — a 38,000-square-foot estate they had purchased together. In August 2024, Lopez filed for divorce, listing the date of separation as April 26, 2024.
The most stunning detail was the apparent absence of a prenuptial agreement. Both Affleck and Lopez had substantial independent wealth — his estimated at $150 million, hers at roughly $400 million — and both had been through prior divorces. Legal experts expressed disbelief that two people with their experience and resources would enter a second marriage without a prenup, particularly in California, a community property state.
The divorce proceedings focused heavily on real estate. The Beverly Hills mansion, which they had jointly purchased and extensively renovated, became a central point of contention. Under California's community property laws, any asset acquired during the marriage is presumptively owned 50/50. Without a prenup, the couple's combined earnings, investments, and property acquisitions from their roughly two-year marriage were all on the table.
Legal Breakdown: No Prenup in a Second Marriage
Community Property Without a Prenup
California is a community property state. Without a prenup, everything earned or acquired during the marriage is split 50/50. For two high earners, this means each partner's movie salaries, endorsement deals, and investment returns from the marriage period are all community assets.
Short Marriage, Big Stakes
Even a two-year marriage in California can result in significant community property accumulation when both spouses earn tens of millions annually. The duration of the marriage does not limit the community property presumption.
Real Estate as the Battleground
Jointly purchased property is inherently community property. The Beverly Hills mansion, bought and renovated during the marriage, must either be sold and proceeds split, or one party must buy the other out. Given the scale, this alone is a multi-million-dollar negotiation.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →A prenup is even more important in a second marriage. You know what divorce looks like — protect yourself accordingly.
- →Community property rules apply from day one of the marriage. Even a short marriage can create massive shared assets.
- →Jointly purchasing a $60 million home without a prenup creates an immediate 50/50 ownership situation that is difficult to unwind.
- →Prior experience with divorce does not guarantee smart legal planning. Emotions can override practical judgment, even for the very wealthy.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.