Ben Affleck Wants ‘to Find a Lasting Love’ As He Starts Dating After Jennifer Lopez Divorce

Ben Affleck is ready to dip his toe back into the dating pool six months after his ex-wife Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce.

“Ben isn’t rushing into any serious relationship at this stage of his life, but he hasn’t ruled out dating. His new friends, since getting sober, include a lot of AA and Al-anon members,” a source exclusively tells In Touch. “So, while not everyone is sober, the women he’s meeting know more about navigating a relationship with a member of the sober community. He’s met some very accomplished women through the 12-step program, and as far as I know, no one he’s serious about.”

The insider says that the Good Will Hunting star, 52, “doesn’t want to date a woman with no clue about addiction.”

The source continues, “A perfect example is his ex [Jennifer] Garner who is now well aware of how alcoholics operate, and she understands him better than anyone. Ben does want to find a lasting love, he’s just being more cautious about who he chooses.”

Rumors that Ben and J. Lo, 55, were headed for divorce began shortly after she attended the Met Gala solo in May 2024. At the time, an insider exclusively told In Touch that the “writing was on the wall” and “for once, Ben was not to blame.”

What followed was a summer of the former couple spending months on opposite coasts. Ben stayed in Los Angeles, while the Hustlers star spent her time in the Hamptons and New York City. Jennifer hosted a Bridgerton-themed birthday bash, but The Accountant actor was noticeably absent.

“Jennifer knew better, but a part of her was still hoping that he would show up,” an insider explained to In Touch on July 30, 2024. “Ben’s absence was definitely noticed. While it was the elephant in the room, no one dared ask the birthday girl about it.”

Less than a month later, the “Let’s Get Loud” singer officially filed for divorce. Jennifer submitted documents to the Los Angeles Superior Court on August 20, 2024, the same day as the former couple’s second anniversary of their wedding at Ben’s estate in Georgia. The Maid in Manhattan actress listed their official separation date as April 26, 2024.

Their divorce settlement viewed by In Touch was fairly simple with both parties being awarded their respective clothing, jewelry and other personal effects. Ben and Jennifer agreed to split the profits from the sale of their $60 million property, which is still currently on the market.

Jennifer kept “all right, title and interest in and to any social security benefits and social security derivative rights to which [Jennifer] may be entitled to receive by reason of her past, present or future employment and/or her marriage.” Ben was awarded the rights to all of his businesses, including his production company, Artists Equity, which he launched with longtime friend Matt Damon in 2022.

On January 6, the Live by Night actor and J. Lo’s divorce was officially finalized, and on February 20, a judge signed off the paperwork declaring both of them single.