5 famous couples who didn’t have a prenuptial agreement

Can you believe it?! Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are getting a divorce.

Countless entertainment media outlets quickly reported on the not-so-shocking breakup. Some, like diversityeven published a wistful article about the celebrity couple as a modern Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. (To be honest, diversity is not wrong.)

However, one of the most surprising details reported about Bennifer's end is that they reportedly did not have a prenuptial agreement. People points out that Lopez does not specify in her divorce filing in Los Angeles County Superior Court whether there was a prenuptial agreement. TMZ reports that a source confirmed that Ben and Jen did not have a prenuptial agreement.

Over and beyond New York Post says, “Without a prenuptial agreement, all income, profits and assets they earned during their marriage are considered joint property, and Lopez and Affleck, 52, have been very busy since their wedding.” The outlet goes on to list the many incomes and assets the couple acquired during their short marriage, from their $60 million home to their numerous acting projects.

Needless to say, Lopez and Affleck's respective legal teams will have a lot to deal with, which will likely cost a lot of billable hours. If only they had learned from other couples before them. Here are four more examples of famous couples who didn't have a prenuptial agreement.

Jennifer Lopez and Cris Judd

Seriously, Jen? You haven't learned your lesson?! Lopez and dancer/choreographer Cris Judd were married for just eight months before going to divorce court, which was difficult without a prenuptial agreement. The divorce settlement reportedly called for Judd to receive $14 million and sign documents stating that he would not speak publicly about their marriage.

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore

Kutcher and Moore were married for significantly longer than Lopez and Judd. The actors married in September 2005, separated in November 2011, and filed for divorce in December 2012. The divorce was not finalized until October 2013. Since there was no prenuptial agreement, the divorce process was significantly more complicated. TMZ noted at the time that Moore was trying to obtain spousal support from Kutcher because of his alleged infidelity.

Paul McCartney and Heather Mills

McCartney and Mills married in 2002, separated in 2006 and finalized their divorce in 2008. Despite Sir Paul's enormous wealth, the couple had no prenuptial agreement. As expected, finances became very chaotic. Rolling StoneMills originally demanded $250 million from McCartney as part of the divorce settlement. She ended up receiving $48.7 million. McCartney also had to pay $70,000 a year in child support for her daughter, Beatrice Milly, as well as school and nanny fees.

MacKenzie Scott and Jeff Bezos

Scott and Bezos married in 1993. In 1994, Bezos founded Amazon, and Scott was a major figure in the company's early days. Little did they know Amazon would become a giant, and when the couple divorced in 2019, a lot of money was at stake. In the end, Scott received $38.3 billion worth of Amazon stock and a 4% stake in the online retail giant. Since then, Scott has donated billions of her wealth to various philanthropic causes. You can find a full list of gifts at YieldGiving.com.

Erica Banas is a news blogger who has been covering the world of rock/classic rock since 2014. The coolest event she has ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? Come on!) She also knows etiquette and is exceptionally kind. #TransRightsAreHumanRights