Many facts are coming out about Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s divorce, which was predicted in surprising detail by the tabloids. One thing that Radar Online and The National Enquirer got wrong is the fact that Ben and Jen did not file or announce their divorce prior to their 10 year anniversary. They announced a day after their anniversary, which was on June 29th. This seems to indicate that Garner had a hand in the announcement date, however outlets are bending over backwards to claim otherwise.

There’s been some confusion (on my part) as to what a ten year marriage means in California divorce law. A marriage of ten years or more is considered a “long duration” marriage. This means that spousal support can be awarded to the lower-earning spouse, at a judge’s discretion, until they no longer need it. (Shorter marriages typically mean that spousal support will only continue for half the duration of the marriage.) California is considered a “Community Property” state in that earnings during the marriage by both spouses are community property from the onset. In a long duration marriage, the lower earning spouse can also go after a higher percentage of their partner’s earnings. US Magazine has more from a legal expert. All of this seems to benefit Garner.

Here are some of the many stories that have come out following the news that Affleck and Garner are over. People Magazine alone has several follow-ups, and multiple outlets have “exclusive” insider statements including E!, US Magazine, Page Six and TMZ. Garner and Affleck are obviously working hard to control the press. You get the impression that they’re willing to admit to certain “acceptable” problems, but that they’re trying to keep a lock down on Ben’s infidelity. They’re also stressing that this divorce is amicable and that they will peacefully co-parent.

They were in therapy for two years
Several articles mention that Ben and Jen were in therapy for two years. TMZ adds that “Ben did not go out and did not womanize … Jen complained he just drank and gambled too much… [they’re just] 2 people who want to live their lives differently.” We’ve heard variations of this claim before.

The “10 year rule” was not a consideration in their filing date?
These two do not have a prenup and their net worth is valued at a combined $105-115 million. Affleck’s net worth is around $75 million while Garner’s is at about $40 million. Both TMZ and E! are claiming that the divorce date is a complete coincidence and has nothing to do with their tenth anniversary. This is the party line, and it sounds wholly unlikely to me. TMZ: “As for the “10 year rule”… we’re told 2 things: A) their decision had nothing to do with it B) she’s loaded and doesn’t need support.” E!: “their split had nothing to do with their anniversary on Monday… the timing was simply a coincidence and in no way had to do with ‘money reasons‘”

They’ve been separated for 10 months
E! Online: “They have… been in a trial separation for 10 months, during which time Affleck has been staying at hotels.” People is more vague about their separation date. “They’ve been separated for a few months but will continue to work together as co-parents and as two people who still care about each other.”

They both want what’s best for their children
People’s source: “This should not be an ugly divorce. They plan on co-parenting and doing absolutely everything in the best interest of the kids.”

Ben will be living in another residence on their same property
Page Six: “Ben, who has been staying in hotels in recent months, will live on the property of their Brentwood marital home, but will not share the main house, we’re told.” Multiple other reports repeat this same claim. If this is the case why were moving vans spotted there? Why was Ben living in hotels for 10 months if he could have presumably used this other residence the whole time?

Their divorce will be amicable
Page Six: “This isn’t going to end up in a dramatic court case, they are trying to resolve it as quickly and easily as possible. Ben and Jennifer have been separated for more than six months. They have been seeing counselors for years. The situation is that people change and they grow apart.”

Radar has a related report that claims that Ben and Jen are committed to keeping the sordid details of their breakup under wraps. All of these stories across the gossip press support that. Radar, which again broke this story, also claims that the former couple has given talking points to their friends with an emphasis on the positive, including how “in Hollywood, 10 years is a huge success, and their beautiful kids are a massive success.” I can see it that way, I can also see how Ben’s self sabotage, inability to be satisfied and wandering eye ruined their marriage. Lainey has had multiple blind items suggesting as much.

File photos credit: FameFlynet