Ben Affleck is looking to return to the dating scene. Following the settlement of his divorce from Jennifer Lopez on January 6, a source exclusively tells PEOPLE, “Ben’s casually dating.” This transition into single life, however, does not seem to be a primary focus for the Oscar-winning actor. The insider adds that he is “very focused on work,” stating, “If he’s not filming, he spends long days at his office.” Notably, the 52-year-old also dedicates a significant amount of time to his children with Jennifer Garner: Violet Anne, 19, Seraphina Rose, 16, and Samuel, 12. Remarkably, Affleck spends “a lot of time” with his youngest child, Samuel, with the source indicating, “They are very close.”
The announcement of Affleck’s casual dating comes after the Los Angeles County Superior Court declared on February 21 that his marriage to Lopez has been officially dissolved, making both parties legally single, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE. Affleck and Lopez had rekindled their romance in 2021, following their first engagement being called off in January 2004. In July 2022, they celebrated their marriage in an intimate Las Vegas ceremony, followed by another celebration in Georgia the next month. Two years after their Georgia ceremony, Lopez, 55, filed for divorce on August 20, 2024, citing irreconcilable differences and listing April 26, 2024, as their date of separation.
Lopez filed at the Los Angeles County Superior Court without a lawyer, requesting that neither party receives spousal support and that attorneys’ fees be shared. She also requested the restoration of her former name, Jennifer Lynn Lopez. As part of their divorce settlement, Affleck and Lopez will share the profits from the sale of their Beverly Hills mansion once it is sold, as detailed in documents obtained by PEOPLE on January 29.
While Affleck navigates his new life post-divorce, he remains focused on his career. His latest project, The Accountant 2, is gearing up for its upcoming release. This sequel to the 2016 action-thriller is set to premiere at the SXSW Film Festival on March 8 and will subsequently hit theaters on April 25. Affleck will reprise his role as Christian Wolff, with Jon Bernthal appearing as his brother Brax. Additionally, Affleck recently teased his action-packed thriller RIP during the 2025 Next on Netflix Special Presentation in Los Angeles on January 29, describing the film as a mix of Heat, Narc, and Training Day. “This movie takes a look at the things people will do for money,” Affleck explained. The film, which reunites him with Matt Damon, is expected to debut on Netflix later this year.
