Inside Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's Unfiltered Divorce and Remarkable Coparenting Journey

Since their separation in June 2015, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have maintained a remarkable level of amicability as coparents. Despite their split, the ex-couple has openly discussed their family dynamics and their strong bond of friendship. According to an exclusive source in October 2018, Ben and Jen continue to prioritize their coparenting responsibilities, sharing immense love and respect for each other. Regardless of any choices Jennifer makes, Ben remains fully supportive and ultimately desires her happiness above all else.

Their paths crossed in the summer of 2001, and after four years of being together, they exchanged vows in June 2005. However, in June 2015, the couple made the heartbreaking announcement of their separation through a joint statement. It stated that after much contemplation, they had come to the difficult decision to end their marriage. Despite their decision, they expressed their continued love and friendship towards each other, as well as their dedication to co-parenting their children. They kindly requested privacy for their family during this challenging period and assured that this statement would be their sole comment on this personal matter. Finally, their divorce proceedings concluded in October 2018, marking the official end of their marriage.

Amidst his candid admissions about their separation, Affleck's failed marriage to Garner became a significant source of regret for him, as he revealed in February 2020. He became emotional as he expressed his unwillingness to undergo a divorce or have his children experience a broken family.

Despite their seemingly friendly demeanor, their co-parenting relationship remains a constant work in progress, according to an insider source. They encounter challenges along the way, but their commitment to their children drives them to strive for the best. They actively communicate and hold frequent meetings to address any issues that arise. Their primary focus is to be exemplary parents, ensuring that any differences they may have remain private and do not impact their children. They consistently put on happy faces for their kids and prioritize their well-being above all else.

Garner and Affleck's efforts to rebuild their relationship have paid off, as an insider revealed to Us in May 2020. Take a look below at their most touching quotes since the end of their decade-long marriage.

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Everything Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Have Said About Their Divorce and Coparenting

Amicable as ever! Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have been coparenting pros since announcing their split in June 2015.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, who have three children together named Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel, have always been open about their family life and maintain a close friendship. According to a source in October 2018, the exes have immense love and respect for each other. They continue to co-parent their children and prioritize their well-being above all else. Ben fully supports Jennifer in any decision she makes and ultimately wants nothing more than her happiness.

Ben and Jennifer first met in the summer of 2001 and tied the knot in June 2005. However, they announced their separation in June 2015 through a joint statement. Their statement expressed that the decision to divorce was made after much thought and careful consideration. Despite ending their romantic relationship, they emphasized their love, friendship, and commitment to co-parenting their children. They kindly requested that their children's privacy be respected during this challenging time and stated that they would not be providing any further comments on this private family matter. They sincerely thanked everyone for their understanding.

Affleck's divorce from Garner was officially concluded in October 2018. However, it was in February 2020 that he garnered attention by publicly acknowledging that his unsuccessful marriage to Garner was "the greatest regret of my life." He became visibly emotional as he expressed his reluctance to go through with the divorce and to have his children grow up in a broken family.

Despite their friendly exterior, their coparenting relationship is an ongoing process, as disclosed during his candid discussions about the breakup. A source shared with Us that while challenges arise between them, their commitment to prioritizing their children remains unwavering. Regular meetings and check-ins are a part of their routine as they strive to be the best parents they can be. Any differences they may have are kept private, ensuring that it does not affect the children. Putting on happy faces and prioritizing their well-being is always their top priority. Garner and Affleck have diligently put in the effort to reach a positive place with each other, as revealed by an insider in May 2020.

Scroll down to revisit their most heartfelt quotes since ending their 10-year marriage.

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March 2016

Jennifer is truly an amazing person. Not only is she a fantastic actress, but she is also a remarkable human being. Her talent is undeniable, and she has been a role model for me in many ways. She is not only a great mother, but she also sets a high standard of excellence in everything she does. I have immense admiration and respect for her, and we have remained close friends throughout the years.

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March 2016

Affleck praised Jen as an exceptional mother and expressed his gratitude for having her as a co-parenting partner for their children. He emphasized their commitment to prioritizing their kids and doing their best for their well-being.

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March 2016

In a candid interview with Vanity Fair in March 2016, the renowned actress from 13 Going on 30 shared her thoughts on her divorce. Reflecting on her decision to marry her ex-husband, she expressed that despite the challenges, she would still make the same choice. Describing him as the love of her life, she praised his brilliance, charisma, and generosity. However, she acknowledged that he is a complex individual, capable of casting a shadow when his attention is elsewhere. She emphasized that her happiness is not solely dependent on him and that their main focus is their children, as they are united in their hopes for their well-being.

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March 2016

“Jen’s great. She’s a great person,” the Justice League actor told the New York Times in March 2016. “We’re on great terms.”

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March 2016

In a March 2016 interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Affleck shared that he and Garner have maintained a strong friendship. He emphasized their dedication to their children, stating that they are working hard to provide the best for them. Affleck concluded by questioning what other options they have in this situation.

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August 2016

"We consider ourselves a contemporary family," revealed the actress from Miracles From Heaven during an interview with Today in August 2016. "We are thriving. ... He and I have a wonderful friendship. It's essential for us to work together as a team. There's no other option."

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“We give it our all. We strive to give our best,” Affleck expressed to Entertainment Tonight in October 2016, acknowledging that his proficiency in certain areas with his children is inconsistent at most. Notably, this does not include homework.”

October 2016

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June 2018

On Father's Day in 2018, Garner expressed her admiration and appreciation for Affleck as a father. She took to Instagram to highlight how fortunate their children are to have a dad who adores them in the way Affleck does. Garner's heartfelt message included the hashtags #happyfathersday, #threeluckykids, and #haveagreatday.

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“Reflecting on that time, the weight of it all really hits me. It's so overwhelming that it brings me to tears even just talking about it," Garner revealed during her interview on CBS Sunday Morning, discussing the public spectacle surrounding the end of her marriage. "What I have come to realize is that the constant scrutiny of your personal life adds immense pressure to take action. You feel this urgency to rush into a marriage because you believe it will put an end to the constant speculation of 'Are they engaged? Are they not?' And the same applies in the opposite direction. If there's even a hint of trouble or if the tabloids decide to stir up trouble, it can lead to actual trouble. But honestly, the public scrutiny is not the most difficult part. The hardest part is actually going through it all."

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March 2019

During an interview with Hoda Kotb in March 2019, Affleck expressed his enduring love for Garner by stating, "Of course, I still love her." He emphasized the significance of their shared parenthood, acknowledging that when someone is the mother of your children, they naturally become the central and most important person in your life. Affleck's admiration for Garner remains unwavering.

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May 2019

In 2019, Affleck expressed his heartfelt gratitude to both Garner and his mother, Christine Anne Bold, on Mother's Day. Taking to Instagram, he wrote, "Wishing a very Happy Mother's Day to these two remarkable women who have truly taught me the essence of love."

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“The divorce has been the greatest source of remorse in my life," Affleck expressed to The New York Times in February 2020. "Shame is an incredibly destructive emotion. It brings no benefits whatsoever. Instead, it only perpetuates a harmful and repulsive sense of diminished value and self-hatred.”

February 2020

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February 2020

Affleck got candid about how his substance abuse impacted his split from Garner during an interview on Good Morning America in February 2020.

"I never anticipated the idea of going through a divorce. It was never my desire to end my marriage. I never wanted to become someone who is divorced, especially when it involved my children," he shared with Diane Sawyer. "It deeply troubled me because it shattered the perception I had of myself. It was incredibly painful and I felt a great sense of disappointment in myself. ... Divorce and alcoholism inflict immense pain. There's no denying that."

He went on to say, "When you see your child suffering, it's a level of anguish that is not easily overcome, forgiven, or forgotten. It's a challenging journey. There's no way to shield your children entirely from pain; it's an inevitable part of life. Though it may provide some solace, knowing that pain is a universal experience."

Sawyer also came across a heartfelt message penned by the actor about Garner towards the conclusion of the interview. The note expressed gratitude, stating, "I want to extend my sincere thanks to you. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, kindness, reliability, and for being an exceptional mother and individual."

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March 2021

Garner initially expressed her disappointment in February 2016 to Vanity Fair, stating that she had "lost the dream of dancing with [her] husband at [her] daughter's wedding" after her divorce. However, her outlook changed five years later. In a cover story for the Hollywood Reporter, she confidently stated, "When our kids get married, we'll dance. I know that now." Garner expressed her excitement about boogalooing and having a wonderful time, emphasizing that she no longer worries about this aspect.

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May 2021

Affleck expressed his gratitude towards his former spouse on Mother's Day, emphasizing how fortunate they are to co-parent their children. He affectionately shared his sentiments on Instagram, acknowledging her positive impact and wished her a Happy Mother's Day, signing off as their father.

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December 2021

In an interview with Howard Stern, Affleck revealed that he and his ex-wife had come to a mutual decision to end their marriage, despite the conflicting reports at the time. The actor explained that they took their time, recognized their growing apart, and ultimately realized that their marriage was not working. Affleck emphasized his love and respect for his ex-wife, but acknowledged that they should no longer be married.

Although their romantic relationship had ended, Affleck emphasized that they still maintained a sense of "respect" for each other. He admitted that there were moments of tension and disagreements over custody, and that things were difficult at times, but the foundation was always built on respect. Affleck recognized his ex-wife as a good mother and hoped that she saw him as a good father. He also acknowledged the need to get sober and agreed with her assessment, stating, "You're right. I've got to quit drinking."

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December 2021

Following public attention for his remarks about feeling "trapped" during his marriage to Garner, Affleck clarified that his statements had been misconstrued. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the opinions of his children are the ones he values the most.

"My presence in their lives brings me immense joy and enhances my overall well-being," he expressed during his appearance on Good Morning America. "The true testament to who I am lies within the hearts of my children. Long after I am gone, they will be able to answer the question, 'What kind of person was your father?' It is through their response that I will truly understand the value and impact of my life."

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March 2023

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Affleck elaborated on his previous statements to Stern, providing further clarity.

"I was attempting to convey that excessive drinking had taken a toll on my overall happiness. Whether it was affecting my job or my marriage, as life became more challenging, I found myself engaging in unhealthy behaviors to fill a void. I believe I expressed myself quite effectively in that regard," he explained. "Regardless of how many times I emphasized that I did not hold my ex-wife responsible for my struggles with alcoholism, it seemed to be disregarded. It's a difficult situation."

The Argo director added of Garner: "We loved each other. We care about each other. We have respect for each other."

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June 2023

"Sending warm wishes to the most exceptional father out there. (Even though I arrived at my destination without my luggage, I managed to catch my connecting flight). Our hearts are filled with love for you, Dad. X," expressed the actress in an Instagram post, accompanied by a picture of her alongside her parents. "PS A special shout out to BGA—your love for our children knows no bounds. Happy Father's Day, Ben! X."