Keeping this in consideration, what happened to Diane Neal on SVU?
Neal portrayed Novak through the end of season 9, when the character exited the series after being censured by the New York State Bar. In 2011, Neal reprised her role as Novak in the season 12 episode, "Reparations", when Novak returned to SVU as their temporary ADA.
Beside above, why did Barba leave SVU in real life? The actor joined SVU as Assistant District Attorney Rafael Barba in season 14 in a recurring capacity, before being upped to series regular in season 15. During Wednesday's episode, Barba ultimately left the District Attorney's office after pulling the plug on a brain dead child.
Also, why did Olivia Benson leave SVU?
Following the events of "Manhattan Transfer", Benson is relieved of her duties as Commanding Officer of SVU, largely due to her (personal) involvement with now-Captain Tucker, who becomes a person of interest in a complex corruption case SVU stumbled upon.
How old is Diane Neal?
44 years (November 17, 1975)