Ben Affleck is officially back in the dating scene—just one month after finalizing his divorce from ex-wife Jennifer Lopez.
In an exclusive interview published on February 23, 2025, an anonymous insider close to the actor shed some light on his mindset as he cautiously navigates romance once again.
According to the source, Ben is prioritizing his sobriety after years of battling addiction and alcohol abuse. As a result, he has surrounded himself with like-minded, sober individuals, including potential romantic interests. The insider said,
“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 Al-anon members. So, while not everyone is sober, the women he’s meeting know more about navigating a relationship with a member of the sober community”.
Regarding his current relationship status, the source clarified that while the Gone Girl star is open to dating, he isn’t tied down just yet. They also revealed Ben’s major dealbreaker and the key quality he values most in a partner, stating,
“He’s met some very accomplished women through the program, but as far as I know, there’s no one he’s serious about. And he doesn’t want to date a woman with no clue about addiction”.
Ben Affleck Seeks A Partner With Ex Jennifer Garner’s Understanding
While Affleck isn’t actively pursuing a serious relationship, the insider noted that he’s drawn to qualities reminiscent of his first ex-wife and the mother of his two children, Jennifer Garner.
According to the source, he values a deep understanding of addiction and support in a relationship. They said,
“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”.
Ben Affleck was previously married to Jennifer Lopez for nearly two years, from July 2022 to August 2024, before she filed for divorce that same month, citing ‘irreconcilable differences’. Court documents listed their official separation date as April 2024.
Their divorce was finalized on January 6, 2025, at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, nearly five months after the filing. While the full details of their settlement remain confidential, a few key aspects were made public.
According to legal paperwork, both J.Lo and Ben retained the individual earnings they accumulated during their marriage, with no spousal support granted to either party.
Additionally, the On the Floor singer chose to drop her ex-husband’s last name, ‘Affleck’, and officially reverted to her maiden name, ‘Lopez’.
As Ben Affleck steps cautiously back into the dating world, it’s clear he’s searching for a connection that aligns with his journey of growth and sobriety.
With his past shaping his future, only time will tell what Cupid has in store for him.