Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez Divorce

Jennifer Lopez, pop-star turned movie actress, and Marc Anthony have agreed to end their marriage. The Associated Press confirmed the couple, who have been married for seven years, announced their decision on Friday stating that they no longer live together.

Lopez and Anthony have two children together and have spent the last seven years touring, planning a music-based reality show and doing a movie together.

The movie “El Cantante” was released in 2006 and television show, “Q’Viva! The Chosen,” was announced in April. It is a Simon Fuller production and was going to show the pair as they travelled around the world, searching for the best Latin music performers. The couple planned to create a live music extravaganza.

According to the couple, who issued a statement through their publicist, they have decided to end their marriage. “This was a very difficult decision,” the couple said in a statement by Lopez’s publicist. “We have come to amicable conclusion on all matters. It is a painful time for all involved and we appreciate the respect of our privacy at this time.”

The decision to separate and perhaps divorce has stunned Hollywood insiders. Lopez and Anthony were considered one of the businesses most high-profile couples. Others close to the couple claim they seemed inseparable.

It seemed like a perfect match. They married in 2004, after years of friendship. Both were of Puerto Rican heritage and found comfort in their relationship after public break-ups. Lopez was ending a relationship with Ben Affleck and Anthony was ending a marriage with Dayanara Torres, former Miss Universe.

Statistically the divorce should not be surprising. Lopez had been married before, twice, to Chris Judd and Ojani Noa. She has also been linked to Ben Affleck and Sean “Diddy” Combs. This also was not Anthony’s first marriage.

Lopez and Anthony will have to decide has legal custody of their 3 year old twins, Emme and Max. They are the first children for Lopez, although Anthony had a child from another relationship.

Professionally, Lopez’s career had stalled until a surge in popularity this year after appearing on “American Idol” as a judge. She also released her new album, “Love?” earlier this year.

Filing for Divorce

Although it is not unusual for Hollywood couples to split, it is no less devastating for them and their children. Lopez and Anthony will no doubt hire a high-priced divorce lawyer and negotiate expensive divorce agreements.

What if you are considering filing for divorce? Although divorce is the last option couples should consider to end their marriage, sometimes it is unavoidable. Whether your spouse has committed adultery or has refused to attempt reconciliation, you will need strong legal counsel to ensure your family is protected.

Divorce laws can vary by state. If you have filed for a divorce in California, you will need someone who understands California divorce law. Divorce lawyers can review details of your divorce and provide answers to your divorce questions.

Whether you need help negotiating spousal support, child custody arrangements, child support payments or property distribution, talk to a divorce attorney. Divorcing couples must meet the residency requirements of each state and must generally prove that they are no longer compatible.