Ben Affleck Details Shared Custody with Jennifer Garner
The actor described his co-parenting routine and desire to work in Los Angeles to remain close to his children.
Ben Affleck has offered a rare glimpse into his shared custody arrangement with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, detailing how he balances his career with raising their three children: Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 14. Affleck explained that the children alternate weeks between him and Garner, a schedule he actively manages to maximize his time with them.
"I work hard, and then I go home and pick up the kids from school," Affleck told Variety in a recent interview. "We have dinner if they agree to hang out with me. They’re with me for a week, then with their mom for a week."
Affleck, 54, who was married to Garner, 54, from 2005 to 2018, emphasized his commitment to being present in his children's lives during these formative years. "I’m divorced, I have shared custody, and I don’t want to miss these years," he stated. "My kids are here, and their life is flying by. I don’t want to have to be in Shreveport or New Mexico in order to work."
This desire to remain close to his children is a significant factor in his professional decisions. Affleck and his long-time friend Matt Damon aim to preserve Los Angeles as a major film hub through their production company, Artists Equity. They recently launched Artists Equity Independent Pictures to support emerging filmmakers. Affleck expressed gratitude for the flexibility to choose where he works, noting that Los Angeles offers "the best crews."
Affleck is frequently seen with his children around Los Angeles, engaging in activities such as ice cream outings, school pickups, and dinners. He and Garner have maintained an amicable relationship post-divorce, often reuniting for holidays and special occasions involving their children.
Following his divorce from Garner, Affleck married Jennifer Lopez in 2022, but they finalized their divorce in 2025. Affleck spoke highly of Lopez's acting abilities, telling Variety, "I’m biased. I have an enormous amount of respect and admiration for what she can do." He has not publicly dated since his separation from Lopez, telling Entertainment Tonight that it is not a "big priority."