Ben Affleck Opens Up About Shared Custody and Co-Parenting With Jennifer Garner

Ben Affleck has candidly detailed his shared custody agreement with ex-wife Jennifer Garner in rare co-parenting comments regarding their family life. The actor shares three children with Garner: Violet, 20, Fin, 17, and Samuel, 14. Their marriage lasted from 2005 until their 2018 divorce, and the former couple has maintained an amicable relationship over the years, frequently gathering for holidays and special family milestones.

During an interview published on Tuesday, the Gone Girl star provided insight into his day-to-day routine as a father. Explaining how they divide time, the 54-year-old actor noted that the children spend a week with him before rotating to their mother for the following week.

Affleck described his typical schedule around the arrangement, noting that he works hard and then returns home to pick up the children from school. He added that they share dinner whenever the kids agree to hang out with him. Recently, the actor was spotted taking Fin and Violet out for dinner at Fia in Santa Monica, California, during the month of August.

The filmmaker emphasized that his personal life feels really wonderful and that he wants to be fully present for his children as they grow up. Noting that he is divorced and shares custody, Affleck expressed that he does not want to miss these formative years. He pointed out that his children's lives are flying by quickly.

Because of these family priorities, Affleck explained his desire to avoid traveling to distant locations like Shreveport or New Mexico for work projects. He acknowledged feeling fortunate to have the flexibility to choose whether he takes on projects in California or elsewhere, particularly as he and longtime collaborator Matt Damon continue their efforts with their production company, Artists Equity.

Affleck described his current life without anything salacious to report, maintaining a private stance on dating since his separation from Jennifer Lopez. The filmmaker and Lopez married in 2022 before finalizing their divorce in 2025. Despite their split, Affleck recently praised Lopez's acting career to the press, expressing enormous respect and admiration for her talent.

When discussing his romantic life following his most recent divorce, Affleck noted that dating is not currently a major priority for him. Instead, his primary focus remains anchored in his career choices, local film ventures, and spending dedicated time with his three children in Los Angeles.

The documented comments offer a rare look into how Affleck and Garner balance their ongoing parental responsibilities while maintaining separate households. By keeping his professional commitments rooted in the Los Angeles area, the actor continues to manage his weekly custody schedule effectively.