Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Relationship Timeline: Divorce and Children

From working together as costars to becoming spouses and co-parents, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have shared a significant journey.

The former couple first crossed paths on the set of Pearl Harbo, but their relationship did not blossom until four years later.

Their friendship evolved into romance after they starred together in 2003’s Daredevil, and by the summer of 2004, their bond had become romantic.

They married in June 2005 and soon after welcomed three children: daughters Violet Anne and Seraphina Rose Elizabeth and son Samuel Garner.

Over the course of their ten-year marriage, they experienced numerous cherished moments, though they ultimately chose to part ways in 2015, finalizing their divorce in 2018.

Despite their separation, Affleck and Garner have consistently spoken highly of each other.

In 2016, Affleck praised Garner, saying, “She’s just a fabulous person. She’s a great mother. She’s a real talent… She’s somebody that I admire and respect and remain excellent friends with.”

From early outings at Boston Red Sox games to their divorce, here’s a detailed look back at Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s relationship.

2000: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Meet on the Set of Pearl Harbor

Affleck and Garner’s initial meeting occurred in 2000 on the set of Pearl Harbor. Garner played a nurse named Sandra, while Affleck portrayed Captain Rafe McCawley, a U.S. Army Corps pilot and one of the romantic interests of Kate Beckinsale’s character. At that time, Garner was married to her Felicity costar Scott Foley.

2003: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Star in Daredevil

The pair reunited on screen in 2003’s Daredevil. Despite both being in relationships—Garner was still married to Foley and Affleck was engaged to Jennifer Lopez—they developed a close friendship.

Garner described her costar in glowing terms, saying in 2003, “He’s your basic tall, dark, and handsome. He’s it. I can’t imagine anyone in the world I would rather see swoop in and save the day than Ben.”

October 2004: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Attend a Boston Red Sox World Series Game

Affleck and Garner publicly appeared as a couple for the first time at Game 1 of the 2004 World Series, supporting the Boston Red Sox, Affleck’s hometown team.

They were seen again at Game 2, sharing a hug and a kiss during the game. Their romance began shortly after their previous relationships ended—Affleck’s engagement to Lopez ended in January 2004, and Garner filed for divorce from Foley in April 2003.

In a later interview with Parade, Garner disclosed that their romance began through email. “It helped that we were both single at the time,” she said. “He’s a very good writer… He’s a very persuasive writer.” Garner also mentioned that she kept the emails.

April 2005: Ben Affleck Proposes to Jennifer Garner

After dating for nine months, Affleck proposed to Garner on her 33rd birthday. They had kept their relationship largely private up to this point, and their engagement followed suit.

Although they did not confirm it themselves, a close friend revealed that they would be getting married. The friend described them as being “like high school sweethearts” and “very lovey-dovey.”

June 29, 2005: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Marry and Reveal They’re Expecting

Affleck and Garner had a private wedding in Turks and Caicos in June 2005. Their representatives confirmed both their marriage and Garner’s pregnancy. Garner later told, “We were able to have a beautiful, private wedding and I couldn’t be happier.”

December 1, 2005: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Welcome Daughter Violet Anne

Affleck and Garner welcomed their first child, Violet Anne Affleck, in Los Angeles. The details of the birth were kept private, with a statement revealing that the family was “doing great.” Garner had previously hinted at the baby’s gender during an appearance on The Tonight Show in late September 2005, inadvertently revealing they were expecting a girl.

August 20, 2008: Jennifer Garner Confirms She is Pregnant with Her Second Child

After some speculation, Garner confirmed that she and Affleck were expecting their second child. “We’re so excited, obviously,” she told. She attributed her growing baby bump to “carbs for breakfast” and expressed her excitement about becoming a mother of two.

Garner gave birth to their second daughter, Seraphina Rose Elizabeth Affleck, in Los Angeles. A statement confirmed the birth, and Garner shared her emotional experience of watching Affleck with their new baby.

“There’s nothing more emotional than seeing your partner — the man you love — with your baby at any time,” she said.

In a January 2010, Garner discussed maintaining romance in their nearly five-year marriage while managing the demands of parenting. “You steal the time. You steal a date, you steal a kiss, you steal a whisper,” she said.

Garner also admitted that balancing her career with motherhood was challenging, particularly the difficulty of missing bedtime with her daughters.

During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Affleck joked about being the only male in his household with Garner and their daughters. Despite being outnumbered, he expressed his contentment with his family. “I am madly in love,” he said. “I have the best family… I really have come right to the place where I was supposed to be.”

August 22, 2011: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Confirm They’re Expecting Their Third Baby

Affleck and Garner announced they were expecting their third child in August 2011. Garner had previously discussed the challenges of being a working mom in April 2009, admitting to feeling like her brain was divided between her career and home life.

In a January 2012 cover story, Garner reflected on her marriage to Affleck, noting their mutual dependence and support. She praised Affleck’s thoughtful gestures and expressed her willingness to do anything for him.

Affleck and Garner welcomed their third child, Samuel Garner Affleck, on February 27, 2012. Affleck announced the birth on his Facebook page, and Garner shared how seeing Affleck with their baby was profoundly emotional for her.

In an interview with Playboy, Affleck acknowledged Garner’s crucial role in his life, attributing his career success to her support and stability. “She is by leaps and bounds the most important person to me in that respect,” he said.

September 15, 2014: Jennifer Garner Talks About Her “Mindful” Nine-Year Marriage to Ben Affleck

In InStyle, Garner discussed the evolution of her marriage with Affleck over nine years. She noted that while they no longer courted each other as they did early in their relationship, they made a conscious effort to remain connected and loving. Garner also spoke about how having children had changed their dynamic.

June 30, 2015: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Announce They’re Divorcing

Shortly after their tenth wedding anniversary, Affleck and Garner announced their decision to divorce. They issued a joint statement expressing love and friendship for each other and a commitment to co-parenting their children. A source revealed their intention to seek mediation.

Following their separation announcement, Affleck and Garner took their children on a vacation to the Bahamas. They were photographed enjoying family activities together, with a friend noting that the trip was planned with their kids in mind.

September 3, 2015: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Attend Marriage Counseling

Affleck and Garner were seen leaving a family counseling center in Los Angeles, marking their first visit since their separation. This sighting fueled reconciliation rumors, especially since they had been spotted together with their kids and Affleck was seen wearing his wedding ring.

In a Vanity Fair interview, Garner spoke openly about her relationship with Affleck and their decision to divorce. She described him as “the love of my life” and expressed that, despite their separation, they remained each other’s support system.

Affleck completed alcohol addiction treatment with Garner’s support. In a Facebook post, he acknowledged her help and expressed his commitment to being a good father. He emphasized the importance of seeking help and his gratitude for Garner’s support.

April 13, 2017: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Officially File for Divorce

Nearly two years after their separation, Affleck and Garner filed for divorce. They sought joint legal and physical custody of their children, ending the period of speculation about a potential reconciliation.

August 22, 2018: Ben Affleck Enters Rehab Again

Affleck sought treatment for his addiction again in August 2018. Garner was seen visiting him at the facility, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to co-parenting and support despite their divorce.

In April 2022, Affleck and Garner reunited at Violet Anne’s wedding. Despite their past, they showed mutual respect and warmth, attending the event together and supporting their daughter.