Why Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck Didn’t ‘Get Petty’ During Their High-Stakes Divorce

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck might have made a financial mistake not signing a prenuptial agreement ahead of their wedding, but when they split, it was not a contentious situation. There was a fortune at stake when they decided to divorce — his Artists Equity production company and the successful batch of movies she made during their marriage. Still, they found a way to split amicably.

“Jennifer and Ben are officially divorced and the only bright spot is that they never got ugly. Many thought that their lawyers would do the nasty nitpicking on behalf of each of them, but they both decided to leave the marriage as amicably as possible,” an insider told In Touch Weekly. Hotshot divorce lawyer Laura Wasser mediated the former couple’s negotiations with Lopez keeping her $5 million engagement ring and Affleck retaining the full rights to his production company.

“Ben and Jennifer were not about to nickel and dime each other, they respected each other way too much for that,” the source added, noting their “history together” and the fact that they “parted as friends.” Their friendship was on full display ahead of the holiday when they were spotted enjoying lunch at the private club, Soho House, in West Hollywood on Sunday, Dec. 22. The Daily Mail shared that they even exchanged Christmas gifts.

The other major component tying them together is their blended family. Affleck’s teen, Fin, 16, whom he shares with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, loves hanging out with Lopez’s child, Emme, 16, whom she shares with ex-husband Marc Anthony. “Ben and Jen’s kids get along super well, and everything has been easy and seamless on that front, which has been really nice for them,” a pal told Entertainment Tonight in December 2023.

Lopez has also stayed connected to Affleck’s oldest daughter, Violet, 19, who is currently a freshman at Yale University. The college student spent time with her former stepmom in the Hamptons over the summer. Affleck reportedly approves of their relationship too.

“Ben certainly doesn’t want to cause any strain between Jen and Violet, and he is in support of them spending time together,” an insider explained to ET in July 2024. “It’s a little tricky for him, but both Jen and Ben want all their kids to be happy, regardless of the issues they are facing in their marriage.”

The marriage is officially over, but the kids stay in the picture — no one is going to feel estranged in this relatively friendly divorce.