Actress Jennifer Garner has rarely spoken about the hardships she faced when her decade-long marriage to actor Ben Affleck came to an end. The former couple, who share three children, separated after 10 years together.

In an interview with Marie Claire UK, published on January 7, the 53-year-old actress reflected on their 2015 split, describing it as one of the most challenging periods of her life.

“You have to be clear-minded enough to know what you can and can’t handle, and I couldn’t manage everything that was happening outside,” Garner said, gesturing as she referred to rumors and intense media scrutiny surrounding the divorce. “But that wasn’t the hardest part. The real pain was the essence of it — a family breaking apart. You lose a life partner and a true friendship. That’s the most difficult thing.”

Following the highly publicized separation, Garner said she leaned on her close relationships and sense of community to get through the ordeal. “I always try to make time for the people I love whenever I can,” the former Alias star shared. “The strength that keeps you standing comes from relationships — from the people who help carry you through tough times.”

Garner and Affleck separated in 2015 after a decade of marriage and finalized their divorce three years later. They are parents to Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 13. The actress acknowledged that co-parenting while living under constant public scrutiny has been another major challenge for her and her family.

Now dating businessman John Miller, Garner has maintained a close and cooperative relationship with Affleck as they continue to raise their children together. According to People, Affleck was recently invited by Garner to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with her and the kids. The former couple were also spotted attending the musical Stereophonic together in Los Angeles on December 21.

After divorcing Garner, Affleck went on to have several relationships and married singer Jennifer Lopez in 2022. That marriage, however, ended in the summer of 2024. The 53-year-old actor is currently believed to be single, focusing on his work and his children.