NEWS
As drama around the state of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s marriage continues, insiders say that he’s determined to avoid messy court battles
Rumours of an impending divorce between Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have gathered pace in recent weeks – and last week, they reached fever pitch when it emerged that the couple’s £47m Beverly Hills home was on the market.
And now insiders tell Closer that the two-time Oscar-winning actor is, in actual fact, ready to check out of their marriage.
A source says, “Ben has been grappling with this decision for ages, but by the time he actually moved out, he’d already been through all the scenarios and emotionally accepted that splitting was the best decision.
The last thing he wants to do is hurt J-Lo –he still loves and respects her. And of course, the family situation comes into this heavily, which is why he’s agreed to do this in a civilised and loving way, just like he did with Jen Garner. Before they file paperwork and officially call it quits, they’re going to get all their ducks in a row, which seems to be the standard practice in Hollywood these days. Ben’s goal is to do the same as Tom Brady and Gisele –get everything arranged and settled before filing so there’s no messy court battle.”
TIGHT-LIPPED
Rumours of marital woes first surfaced last month, with reports that Ben, 51, had moved out of the Beverly Hills home he shares with J-Lo, 54. As speculation about the state of their nearly two-year marriage has continued to dominate headlines, the A-listers have been attempting to dispel divorce hearsay with joint public outings, while otherwise remaining tight-lipped about the media storm surrounding them.
Last week, the pair were pictured holding hands at Ben’s eldest daughter’s graduation, before sharing an uncomfortable cheek kiss in front of cameras days later at his son’s basketball game.
Despite the public solidarity, the couple have allegedly hired a famous celebrity divorce lawyer who is already on their case, according to the DeuxMoi podcast, Deux U. The outlet’s insider is fairly confident that it’s over for good this time
and “there’s no going back”.
And now, a source close to the pair tells Closer that their children – J-Lo is mum to Max and Emme, 16, from her marriage to Marc Anthony, while Ben shares Violet, 18, Fin, 15, and 12-year-old Samuel with ex-wife Jennifer Garner – are the priority as they navigate this tumultuous chapter.
“The biggest weight on Ben’s shoulders ri
