Popular Hollywood Couple to Divorce

A ten-year marriage, long-rumored by the tabloids to be in trouble, is coming to an end.

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck released a joint statement today confirming their plan to divorce: "After much thought and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to divorce. We go forward with love and friendship for one another and a commitment to co-parenting our children whose privacy we ask to be respected during this difficult time."

The couple has three kids: daughters Violet (9) and Seraphina (6) and son Sam (3). Garner and Affleck observed their tenth wedding anniversary yesterday, and that's significant. Jessica Levinson, professor of law at Loyola Law School L.A. says, "Essentially, if you've been married for a decade, then we do not want the lower-earning spouse to be left struggling or destitute. We believe that spouse has invested enough time and resources into the failed marriage that they should receive some additional protection." Levinson goes on to say that, " "Practically speaking, in California if a marriage lasts less than 10 years, judges often award spousal support for half the length of the marriage. By contrast, if a marriage lasts 10 years or more, judges can award alimony for as long as it's needed." All of that could spell bad news for Affleck who is reportedly worth around $75 million... at least for the time being.

Affleck will play Batman in the upcoming 'Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice,' while Garner is scheduled to be in at least two movies released next year.

[via USA Today and US Magazine]