Jennifer Garner is reflecting candidly on one of the most challenging chapters of her personal life. In a rare and thoughtful interview, the “13 Going on 30” actress opened up about her divorce from Ben Affleck. Garner revealed that the emotional toll extended far beyond the end of a marriage and reshaped her understanding of family, resilience, and partnership.
Jennifer Garner lost true ‘partnership and friendship’ after divorcing Ben Affleck
While speaking with Marie Claire UK, Jennifer Garner offered thoughtful insight into her 2015 split from Ben Affleck. The 53-year-old mom of three described the experience as one of the hardest periods of her life. Rather than focusing on public scrutiny, Garner explained that the most painful part was far more personal.
According to the actress, it wasn’t the outside noise or media attention that weighed on her most. Instead, it was the internal reality of what the divorce represented. She shared that ending the marriage meant “losing a true partnership and friendship,” along with the shared foundation of a family unit. Garner emphasized that “breaking up of a family” carried an emotional weight that extended far beyond the headlines.
Following the split, Garner said she intentionally leaned into her relationships with friends and loved ones. She explained that building and maintaining a strong sense of community became essential to her healing process. “That’s where your resilience is: it’s in your relationships and in the people who carry you through,” Garner noted.
Garner and Affleck, who were married for 10 years before finalizing their divorce in 2018, share three children, including Violet Anne, Seraphina Rose, and Samuel. Garner spoke warmly about motherhood at this stage in her life, acknowledging that parenting teenagers and young adults requires a different approach. She said she’s learning to step back, listen more, and allow her children the freedom to “make their choices,” even when it’s uncomfortable.
Despite the challenges, Garner has previously indicated that co-parenting with Affleck remains a priority. Still, she has described navigating that dynamic in the public eye as complicated. A source told PEOPLE that the former couple continues to share family traditions, including spending major holidays together with their children.
Originally reported by Zahrah Patel on Reality Tea.
