Jennifer Lopez is reclaiming her identity. The 55-year-old performer filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, 52, on Tuesday, Aug. 20, after two years of marriage. In her filing, Lopez requested to have her maiden name, Jennifer Lynn Lopez, restored, signaling a desire to move forward independently after their split.
Court documents obtained by on Thursday, Aug. 22, reveal that Lopez cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the separation. Additionally, she indicated that neither she nor Affleck should receive spousal support, marking a clear intention to part ways amicably and equitably.
In the filing, Lopez also sought to separate their property, both assets and debts, stating that the "exact nature and extent of separate property assets and obligations are unknown" at this time. She reserved the right to amend her petition as more details are uncovered, especially regarding community and quasi-community property, which will need further verification to determine who gets what in the divorce.
Lopez and Affleck's whirlwind romance led them to tie the knot in a low-key Las Vegas ceremony on July 17, 2022. Just a month later, they celebrated their union with a lavish ceremony in Savannah, Georgia, surrounded by friends and family.
In a December 2022 cover interview with Vogue, Lopez expressed pride in taking on the name "Mrs. Affleck" after their marriage, despite knowing that people would continue to refer to her as Jennifer Lopez. "We're husband and wife. I'm proud of that. I don't think that's a problem," she said at the time, adding that she found the name change to be a romantic gesture steeped in tradition.
Lopez acknowledged that her decision might provoke different opinions but maintained that the choice resonated with her personal values. "It still carries tradition and romance to me, and maybe I'm just that kind of girl," she explained.
As Lopez navigates this new chapter, her decision to restore her maiden name suggests a return to her roots and a focus on her own identity and future. The public will undoubtedly continue to follow this high-profile divorce closely as more details emerge.
