Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner Separated: Actress Has Been Preparing For Months To Divorce Ben, Source Claims

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have reportedly separated, with sources saying the actor’s mid-life crisis has driven them apart and led Jen to prepare for divorce.

This week, a number of celebrity news outlets reported that Ben and Jennifer have separated, and photographers noted that the couple has not been seen together in the past month.

Though infidelity rumors have plagued the couple for months — and even years now — the rumor mill really started churning back in April, when Ben was spotted without Jennifer on her birthday. Sources say it was a fight and allegations of cheating that drove the couple apart.

“Jen accused Ben of getting too close to his costar Anna Kendrick, and Ben was so indignant that he promptly ditched his wife on her birthday for a Buddhist retreat in Canada where he was spotted without his wedding ring,” a source told OK! Magazine (via Celeb Dirty Laundry).

Now new reports indicate that Ben may have indeed cheated on his wife, although it wasn’t noted if Kendrick was involved.

“Ben is in the grips of a mid-life crisis,” a source told Radar Online earlier this month.

“The bottom line is that Jen can’t trust Ben,” the source said. “It’s a vicious cycle — he’ll screw up, then he’ll get it together, but then it’s only a matter of time before he’s back to bad behavior.”

Now new reports have uncovered the reason for the latest troubles. A new report from Radar Online claims that Jennifer has simply gotten tired of giving Ben second chances.

“Often, when Ben and Jen have a problem, they just agree to ride it out and be miserable together until they can get some time apart,” an insider said.

The separation has been a long time coming, the insider added.

“Jen has actually been preparing herself emotionally for this divorce for some time,” the source claimed. “She sees a therapist to learn how to cope with the divorce, and how to deal with the kids after they split. She’ll take custody of them.”

Reports suggest the couple may be preparing for a $150 million divorce and what could be a messy custody battle. Ben appears to still be active with the couple’s kids. This weekend, he was spotted with their three children, 9-year-old Violet, 6-year-old Seraphina, and 3-year-old Samuel.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have not responded to reports that they are separated.

[Image via Getty Images/Frazer Harrison]