Ben Affleck and Jennifer LopezThe couple’s divorce has just become even more complicated, as it turns out the judge presiding over the case has some interesting ties to both stars.
This naturally raises eyebrows because of the potential conflict of interest on the part of the judge and their ability to remain impartial in a divorce, especially when large amounts of assets are involved.
Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck on their second wedding anniversary in Georgia, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
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The judge overseeing Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s divorce has a special connection to the couple
According to TMZNew documents reveal that Judge Bradley S. Phillips, who is overseeing Lopez and Affleck’s divorce, has a past connection to the couple.
The connection comes from Strand Conover, the judge’s son-in-law and a partner and agent at WME, the talent agency that represents Affleck and Lopez’s ex-boyfriend, Alex Rodriguez.
Conover reportedly knew Lopez through his work with the “Argo” star and had also met the “Ain’t Your Mama” singer through a “business deal” with former professional baseball player Rodriguez.
But despite the intriguing connection, Judge Phillips “ignored concerns about potential conflicts of interest” in hearing Affleck and Lopez’s divorce.
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The judge also noted that he had never discussed marital issues with his son-in-law and therefore could not be biased or impartial on his part.
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The singer filed for divorce from Ben Affleck without a lawyer
On Aug. 20, Lopez, without the help of a lawyer, filed the necessary legal papers to dissolve her marriage to Affleck, the anniversary of their lavish Georgia wedding and a significant date for the estranged couple.
In her divorce papers, Lopez specified that she and Affleck officially separated on April 26, a date that coincides with when rumors of marital rifts first began circulating.
The “Hustlers” star asked the court to award no spousal support to either her or Affleck and to revert to her maiden name.
Interestingly, Lopez’s divorce papers also stated that the couple did not have a prenuptial agreement before getting married.
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With so much money involved, the couple’s divorce could be “messy”
be ReportLopez and Affleck’s divorce has been “messy” and “highly complicated” as the couple did not have a prenuptial agreement and considered everything they built during their nearly two-year marriage to be “community property.”
This means that Lopez and Affleck will have to disclose their assets and will have to divide their community property equally in the event of a divorce.
Among the many assets reportedly at risk is Artists Equity (AE), the production company Affleck co-founded with longtime friend, actor Matt Damon, just four months after his November 2022 wedding to Lopez.
Meanwhile, the actor will also have the rights to star in some of Lopez’s high-profile projects, including “Shotgun Wedding,” “The Mother” and “Atlas.”
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Affleck also stands to benefit from Lopez’s businesses, such as the low-calorie alcohol brand Delora, which launched in 2023, when it comes to dividing up assets.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s marital home still not sold
The most high-profile asset between Affleck and Lopez is their Beverly Hills mansion, which is listed for sale for $68 million.
It’s not surprising that the house has reportedly been on the market for over a month and still has no buyers.
According to sources TMZWith interest rates currently high in the real estate market, a deal may not be easy to secure.
Additionally, Lopez and Affleck put the home up for sale for much more than the purchase price, a price that very few could afford.
Still, several potential buyers have visited the house, suggesting it’s only a matter of time before it goes off the market.
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But even if that were to happen, Lopez and Affleck would likely not make much of a profit due to the cost of renovations and the taxes that typically accrue to Los Angeles mansions.
Jennifer Lopez did everything in her power to make her marriage to Ben Affleck work
As Lopez and Affleck remain silent about their ongoing divorce, a source close to the singer revealed how committed she was to being the best partner in their two-year marriage.
According to People MagazineThe “Shotgun Wedding” actress “spent a lot of time” making sure Affleck was “happy.”
This included making sure he had “everything he needed” and even caring for him in an almost “child-like” way.
But despite the heavy workload, Lopez also had to deal with Affleck being “very moody and dark at times,” which seemed to contrast with her more upbeat way of life.
Affleck’s characterization hung like a dark cloud over their relationship, and at one point, Lopez’s friends had to constantly remind her that she wasn’t responsible for his feelings.
