Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Relationship: Inside Their Journey 10 Years After Separation

The Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner relationship has evolved significantly over the past decade, marking a journey from Hollywood’s iconic couple to committed coparents. As they approach the tenth anniversary of their separation, both stars continue to demonstrate mutual respect and prioritize their children’s well-being, even amidst new personal chapters.

How Their Story Began in Hollywood

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner first encountered each other on the set of the 2000 film “Pearl Harbor.” At that time, Jennifer Garner was married to actor Scott Foley, while Ben was single. Their professional paths crossed again in 2003 during the filming of “Daredevil.” That period was marked by major shifts in both their lives: Garner’s marriage to Foley ended in 2004, and Affleck’s engagement to Jennifer Lopez concluded early the same year.

From Friendship to Romance in 2004

After each found themselves single, Affleck and Garner’s relationship moved beyond friendship. They began connecting more personally, exchanging emails that paved the way for a deeper bond. Garner told Parade in 2010,

“Well, it helped that we were both single at the time,”

—Jennifer Garner, Parade Interview. Their romance became public when they were seen at the 2004 World Series, and by April of the following year, they were engaged.

A Celebrated Marriage and Growing Family

In June 2005, Affleck and Garner married in a private ceremony on the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their family quickly grew, with the couple welcoming their first daughter, Violet, in December 2005. They later had a second daughter, Seraphina, in January 2009, and a son, Samuel, in February 2012. As Affleck shared during a 2010 appearance,

“I have the best family … I could not be luckier. I really have come right to the place where I was supposed to be. You’ve got to knock wood. I’ve gone around and I’ve taken some rights and lefts and found myself at a place that is really wonderful, and that I’m really grateful for.”

—Ben Affleck, The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Life as Parents and Partners

Garner often spoke candidly about the strength of their marriage and partnership. Reflecting on their dynamic in 2011, she said,

“We both know we couldn’t do what we do without each other,”

—Jennifer Garner, InStyle Interview, before continuing,

“He knows when to swoop in with the gesture. He’s sweet that way. Honestly, I would do anything for that man, because I know it’s not to be taken for granted.”

—Jennifer Garner, InStyle Interview. Their unity as partners helped them navigate fame and the challenges of raising three children in the spotlight.

Separation and Public Support

After a decade as one of Hollywood’s most recognized couples, Affleck and Garner announced their separation on June 30, 2015. In a joint statement, they shared,

“After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce,”

and further emphasized,

“We go forward with love and friendship for one another and a commitment to coparenting our children whose privacy we ask to be respected during this difficult time. This will be our only comment on this private, family matter. Thank you for understanding.”

—Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner, Joint Statement. Despite the emotional strain, they remained committed to working together for their children’s happiness.

Not long after the separation, Affleck recognized Garner’s role as a parent and coparent. In March 2016, he noted, “Jen is a superhero mom,” and described their approach:

“She is an amazing mother and I’m really lucky to have her as a partner to coparent these kids with. We try our best, we put them first and that’s what we do.”

—Ben Affleck, E! News Interview. Legal proceedings for their divorce began in April 2017, and their marriage was officially dissolved in October 2018.

Support Amid Life Changes

Following their official separation, both Affleck and Garner moved forward in their respective lives but remained steadfast in their role as parents. In August 2024, when Affleck faced a second high-profile divorce—this time from Jennifer Lopez—sources highlighted how deeply he relied on his bond with Garner. According to an insider, Affleck

“has confided in Jen in a lot of ways, especially lately when things with J. Lo haven’t been so great in recent months.”

—Insider Source, Us Weekly.

Continued respect and a shared understanding anchored their approach. The insider described their relationship as having

“[They have a] mutual understanding that their kids come first,”

and went on to say there is

“a deep level of trust and respect between them”

—Insider Source, Us Weekly.

Both Move Forward, Prioritizing Family

Since finalizing their divorce, Affleck rekindled his relationship with Jennifer Lopez in April 2021, leading to their marriage in July 2022. Lopez filed for divorce in August 2024, with proceedings completed by January 2025. Meanwhile, Garner has experienced an on-and-off relationship with businessman John Miller since 2018. Despite these changes, Affleck and Garner continue to prioritize their roles as parents to Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel.

They are frequently seen together with their children, maintaining a cooperative coparenting dynamic. In June 2025, Affleck and Garner were photographed together at LAX airport while picking up their son. As Affleck confirmed in March 2025,

“I’m really lucky that I have a really good coparent and partner in Jennifer Garner, the kids’ mom, who’s wonderful and great and we work together well,”

—Ben Affleck, GQ Interview.

The Lasting Impact of Their Relationship

The Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner relationship stands as an example of how mutual respect can persist after separation, especially when children are involved. Their ongoing collaboration and public demonstrations of unity continue to influence perceptions of coparenting among celebrity families. As they approach a decade since their split, Affleck and Garner’s journey highlights resilience and commitment, showing that family remains at the core of their shared story, even as they travel different personal and professional paths.