Ben Affleck had an Eventful Few Weeks Before News of His Split From Jennifer Lopez Was Announced
In a surprising turn of events, Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck on August 20, 2024, marking the end of their marriage just over two years after they tied the knot.
The couple, whose romantic reunion had captivated the public after nearly two decades apart, officially wed in a private Las Vegas ceremony on July 17, 2022, followed by a traditional wedding in Georgia a month later.
The timing of the divorce filing coincided with the second anniversary of their Georgian celebration, adding a bittersweet note to the proceedings.
Before the news of their split broke, Affleck had been deeply involved in significant family milestones, particularly those involving his children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner.
Affleck and Garner, who divorced in 2018 after 13 years of marriage, share three children: Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12.
The past few weeks had been particularly eventful for Affleck as he focused on his eldest daughter, Violet, who was preparing to start her college journey at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
On August 20, the same day Lopez filed for divorce, Affleck and Garner were spotted returning to Los Angeles after dropping Violet off at Yale.
The former couple, who have maintained a strong co-parenting relationship since their split, appeared united as they navigated this significant transition in their daughter’s life.
According to a source close to the family, “Jen and Ben are great at coming together for family events. Violet’s brilliant and very responsible. Jen and Ben know she’ll do fantastic.”
This glimpse into their dynamic highlights the deep bond they share as parents, despite their romantic history.
The lead-up to Violet’s college move had been a major focus for Affleck, particularly as tensions in his marriage to Lopez escalated.
An insider shared that Affleck had been “very focused on getting Violet ready for move-in,” adding that the entire family had been excited in the weeks leading up to her departure.
This period of anticipation and preparation was a significant moment for Affleck, who has always been vocal about the importance of his role as a father.
Just days before Violet’s move-in, Affleck celebrated his 52nd birthday on August 15. Rather than opting for a lavish celebration, he chose to spend the day quietly at home with his children.
A source close to the actor revealed, “It’s exactly what he wanted. He didn’t want to go out to celebrate. The kids had gifts for him, and it was cute.”
Garner was also present for the intimate gathering, further underscoring the cooperative and supportive relationship she and Affleck have maintained for the sake of their children.
Lopez also made an appearance, stopping by to congratulate Affleck, although the interaction was brief and likely reflective of the growing strain in their marriage.
Affleck’s birthday celebration, while low-key, was emblematic of his current priorities—focusing on his children and maintaining a sense of normalcy amidst personal turmoil.
The source added, “The kids were with Ben for most of the day. He didn’t leave the house at all for his birthday,” suggesting that Affleck found comfort in the familiar routines of family life as he navigated the complexities of his relationship with Lopez.
In addition to these domestic moments, Affleck recently joined Garner and their children on a family trip to Japan, a country that holds special significance for Garner.
The actress, known for her love of travel and exploration, documented the trip on Instagram, sharing highlights from what she described as a “dream trip.”
The photos and videos showcased the family enjoying various activities, including eating ramen noodles, taking boat rides, and even trying fresh abalone—a delicacy that Garner sampled on camera with a mix of hesitation and humor.
Although Affleck was notably absent from the social media posts, his presence on the trip was confirmed by multiple sources.
His decision to participate in this family vacation, despite the ongoing challenges in his marriage, speaks to his commitment to being an active and involved father.
It also highlights the continued connection between Affleck and Garner, who have managed to maintain a strong co-parenting relationship and remain close for the sake of their children.
As news of the divorce continues to unfold, it is clear that Affleck’s focus remains on his family. The past few weeks, filled with personal milestones and family gatherings, have undoubtedly been a time of reflection for the actor.
While the end of his marriage to Lopez marks the close of a significant chapter in his life, Affleck appears determined to prioritize his role as a father and maintain the stability of his family, even as he navigates the emotional complexities of divorce.
The coming months will likely bring further developments in Affleck’s personal life, but for now, his attention remains squarely on his children.
As he continues to adjust to the changes in his marital status, Affleck’s dedication to his family serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of parental bonds, even in the face of personal and public challenges.
