The day after their 10th anniversary, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have announced their divorce. Despite all the therapies and years of hard work to save their relationship, Ben and Jen have agreed to share joint custody and live in separate houses but still in the same Brentwood property for the sake of the kids.
The ex-couple who tied the knot in June 29, 2005 decided to create a healthier relationship outside marriage and agreed to co-parent their kids, Violet, 9, Seraphina, 6, and Samuel, 3.
"They eventually realized this is the best thing to do for their family. They don't want it to be contentious. A lot of people say that but they are doing things to ensure that it won't be. There is a lot of love there but, they are doing what is best for everybody," an insider told US Weekly.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Will Continue Living Together — the Hip Way of Consciously Uncoupling in Hollywood https://t.co/N1DnKWZQNK
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The rocky marriage was triggered by the Argo director's stubborn and workaholic attitude, in addition to his vices like alcohol, smoking and gambling.
"Ben only likes things his way or no way," an insider told Hollywood Life. "He's as stubborn as a mule. He's not exactly flexible. He is prone to moodiness when he doesn't get his way. Dealing with him is not a walk in the park."
In 2011, Jen celebrated her birthday without her husband who was seen alone on the same day in Canada not wearing his ring.
When Ben was directing his Oscar-winning film, "Jen wanted to bring the kids to visit him [on set] that summer, and he said no," Ok! Magazine quoted a source. "This turned into a very big rift because it was another two months before he came home and saw anyone."
After being together since 2005, the Daredevil co-stars have lived separately for some time due to the heated tension built at home. When arguments arise, Ben would get out of the house and check into Hotel Bel-Air in LA, where he had recently stayed weeks before their decision to divorce.
Despite his busy schedule, a source said that Ben would still spend time with the kids especially on special occasions. "That was the priority! And when certain holidays and birthdays came about, they thought about their relationship with more urgency."
Ben Affleck is currently filming Batman vs Superman which is set to premiere in March.
