Marc Anthony has filed for divorce from Jennifer Lopez. The former couple - who have four-year-old twins Max and Emme - separated after seven-years of marriage last July. Now Marc, 43, has started proceedings to officially end the union, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason behind the split.

People Magazine reports that in papers filed at Los Angeles Supreme Court on Monday, the musician asks for joint legal and physical custody of the children, and for spousal support to be denied if Jennifer, 42, asks for it.

Since parting ways, the pair have remained friends and continue to work together on reality show Q'Viva! The Chosen. However, Jennifer - who has now moved on with 24-year-old dancer Casper Smart - admits the break-up has been a painful process:

“Without going into detail ... it's just really, really sad. And look, we are still going through it, and it's emotional sometimes and difficult. We're still friends - and we're parents. But it's going to take time. It's tough. But for the most part, I feel very proud of the way we're handling it. I really do. We are doing the best we can for the kids.”