Virginia fans of actors Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner may be disappointed to hear that the two have announced that they are getting a divorce. The announcement came a day after their 10-year wedding anniversary.
The two made films together in 2001 and 2003 and had their first public appearance as a couple in 2004. They married in 2005 and have three children together. In a statement, they described themselves as committed to co-parenting. They also said that they would not be further discussing the divorce publicly.
The two have taken turns making films, and for a time, Affleck’s career looked like it might be in trouble. However, he then began directing successfully including the best picture winner of 2012. Garner has been in a number of successful films. Therefore, they may each have considerable assets from their work. Garner was previously married to another actor while Affleck had a long-term relationship with actress and singer Jennifer Lopez.
It is not clear whether the two had a prenuptial agreement in place, what kind of assets each might keep from the marriage or what the custody arrangements will be. If there was a prenuptial agreement, either of them may wish to challenge it. However, keeping the split amicable may make their co-parenting agreement smoother. An individual who is facing a high net worth divorce like Affleck and Garner may wish to speak to an attorney about whether mediation or negotiation is possible. This may be a better route than litigation to ensure that the final division of property is to the satisfaction of both parties, and if children are involved, parents may have even more reason to try to keep the divorce from becoming too contentious. Decisions about child custody and visitation are generally made in the best interests of the child.