Jennifer Lopez has made a decisive move to distance herself from her soon-to-be ex-husband, Ben Affleck, by formally requesting to revert to her maiden name. The 55-year-old superstar filed for divorce on August 20, exactly two years after the couple’s second wedding ceremony, signaling the end of their rekindled romance. In the divorce petition submitted to a California court, Lopez specifically requested that her legal name be changed from Jennifer Lynn Affleck back to Jennifer Lynn Lopez, according to documents obtained by TMZ.

This move comes after a tumultuous summer during which Lopez and Affleck, 52, spent significant time apart, fueling speculation about the state of their marriage. The couple, who famously rekindled their early 2000s romance, had tied the knot in a low-key Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022, followed by a more elaborate celebration at Affleck’s estate in Georgia. At the time, Lopez had taken Affleck’s last name, a decision that drew mixed reactions from fans and media alike.

In a candid interview with Vogue in November 2022, Lopez addressed the decision to adopt Affleck’s surname, describing it as a romantic gesture that aligned with her traditional views on marriage. “People are still going to call me Jennifer Lopez,” she said. “But my legal name will be Mrs. Affleck because we’re joined together. We’re husband and wife. I’m proud of that. I don’t think that’s a problem.”

However, the sentiment appears to have shifted as Lopez filed the divorce papers without legal representation, opting for a "pro per" filing—an indication of her desire to handle the matter personally. The timing of the filing, on what would have been their second wedding anniversary, adds a poignant twist to the proceedings.

The couple’s relationship had been the subject of intense media scrutiny, particularly given their high-profile rekindling nearly two decades after their initial engagement in 2003. Back then, Lopez had also expressed her intention to take Affleck’s last name, telling Access Hollywood that she would “obviously” be Jennifer Affleck in her personal life, while maintaining her professional identity as Jennifer Lopez.

Yet, despite the fairytale narrative that surrounded their reunion, sources close to the couple suggest that the reality of their marriage was far from ideal. According to insiders, Lopez became increasingly frustrated with Affleck’s lack of effort in maintaining their relationship. The couple, who had long been considered one of Hollywood’s most glamorous pairs, reportedly struggled with compatibility issues that ultimately led to their split.

One source revealed that Lopez, known for her clean-living lifestyle, found it challenging to reconcile with Affleck’s past struggles, including his battles with alcohol. The insider noted that despite their deep love for each other, their differences became insurmountable, leading Lopez to the difficult decision to file for divorce.

The absence of a prenuptial agreement adds a layer of complexity to the divorce proceedings, raising the stakes for what could become a protracted legal battle. While both parties have reportedly been working towards a settlement, the negotiations have grown increasingly acrimonious, with communication between the two stars becoming strained.

Lopez’s decision to revert to her maiden name is seen by many as a symbolic step towards reclaiming her identity and independence as she moves forward from the relationship. The singer and actress, who has been engaged six times—including twice to Affleck—has always maintained a strong sense of self, both in her personal and professional life.