Ben Affleck Praises 'Wonderful' Co-Parenting Relationship with Jennifer Garner
The actor detailed his shared custody arrangement and ongoing positive relationship with his ex-wife.
Ben Affleck has spoken candidly about his successful co-parenting dynamic with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, describing their relationship as "really wonderful." The couple, who divorced in 2018 after 13 years of marriage, share custody of their three children: Violet, 20; Fin, 17; and Samuel, 14.
Affleck told Variety that his commitment to being present for his children is a primary motivator for his continued work in Hollywood. "I'm divorced, I have shared custody, and I don't want to miss these years," he said. "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."
He explained their shared custody arrangement involves the children spending a week with him and a week with their mother. Affleck also noted that he and Garner remain on good terms, stating there is "nothing salacious" about his personal life.
Affleck, who remarried Jennifer Lopez in 2022, also shared insights into his relationship with his children post-divorce. He noted that while he attempts to offer relationship advice, his teenage children often react with sarcasm, with his 17-year-old son once asking, "Oh, like you're the expert on relationships?"
He recounted instances where he would start giving advice at the dinner table only to see his children exchanging knowing glances, making him feel like a "caricature." Despite his children's eye-rolling, Affleck expressed his desire to continue parenting them as best he can.
Affleck and Garner were initially slated to co-star in his new film, "Animals," with Kerry Washington ultimately taking over Garner's role. The former couple had discussed playing a couple experiencing marital difficulties on screen. "I talked to Jen, and she was like, 'We don't wanna do that. You just get baggage,'" Affleck said.
However, Affleck expressed openness to future collaborations with Garner. "I would love to work with her, frankly. She's fabulous, and we're really good friends, and I'm profoundly grateful to her, and we have a great thing," he stated.