Ben Affleck is cautiously reentering the dating world after officially finalizing his divorce from Jennifer Lopez.
According to sources close to the Good Will Hunting actor, Affleck, 52, has begun “casually dating” but remains primarily focused on his career and family.
A source revealed to PEOPLE that while Affleck is open to meeting new people, romance is not his top priority at the moment.
“This doesn’t seem to be a focus though,” the insider noted, adding that he is currently more invested in his work and spending quality time with his children.
A Fresh Start After a Public Divorce
Affleck and Lopez, 55, officially became legally single after their divorce settlement was filed on January 6, 2025, marking the end of their second chance at love.
The couple rekindled their relationship in 2021, nearly two decades after calling off their first engagement, and tied the knot in 2022. However, by August 2024—on what would have been their second wedding anniversary—Lopez filed for divorce, bringing their high-profile romance to an end.
The breakup took a toll on Affleck, with sources describing him as feeling “exhausted” by the emotional weight of the split. However, he has been leaning on his close friends and support system to help him move forward.
“There’s a sense of relief now that everything is finalized,” an insider told DailyMail.com. “This weight is lifted from him, and he is ready to move on and date again—if the right woman comes along. But he’s taking his time.”
Prioritizing Work and Family
Although Affleck is open to dating, his primary focus remains on his professional endeavors and his three children—Violet, 19, Fin, 16, and Samuel, 12—whom he shares with ex-wife Jennifer Garner.
The source emphasized that Affleck is deeply committed to his children and is spending as much time with them as possible. “They are very close,” the insider said, noting that family remains his top priority amid all the changes in his personal life.
Aside from his role as a father, Affleck is also dedicating significant time to his career. When he’s not filming, he can often be found at his office, working on upcoming projects.
Lopez Focuses on Self-Healing
While Affleck is beginning to explore new romantic possibilities, Lopez has taken a different approach following their split. Reports suggest that the On The Floor singer is refraining from jumping into another relationship and is instead focusing on personal growth.
“Jen, like most people, would love to have love in her life again,” an insider told DailyMail.com last year. “But the one person she has to give her time to right now is herself. If something presents itself, then obviously life and love find a way, but she isn’t looking to get into any new relationships.”
In a candid interview with Interview magazine, Lopez opened up about the emotional struggles she faced following her fourth divorce.
“It feels lonely, unfamiliar, scary. It feels sad. It feels desperate,” she shared. However, she also expressed a newfound sense of self-reliance, adding, “I can’t be looking for happiness in other people. I have to have happiness within myself… Being in a relationship doesn’t define me.”
What’s Next for Affleck?
Despite the challenges he has faced, Affleck is slowly opening himself up to the possibility of love again. He has received strong support from his loved ones, particularly those in his sobriety circle, as he navigates this new chapter in his life.
In the past, Affleck has been linked to various high-profile figures, including actress Ana de Armas and Kick Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. While it remains unclear whether he is actively pursuing a serious relationship, sources suggest he is taking things one step at a time.
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