Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez Reportedly ‘Relieved’ by Their Divorce

Sources close to Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez reveal that both are feeling positive about their impending divorce. According to an insider connected to Affleck, he is “relieved that this chapter is closed,” while someone close to Lopez told PEOPLE that “She wanted to figure things out,” but “after filing for divorce, she seemed relieved.” This is the latest on how the former couple is reportedly feeling.

A source connected to Affleck told ET, “Ben is doing well and is happy. He feels somewhat relieved that this chapter is closed and like he can fully be himself and continue to surround himself with family and friends.” Affleck’s birthday celebrations earlier this month were an example of how he is spending time with his children. A source said, “Ben is planning to keep things intimate for his birthday and spend it with close friends and family.” Affleck has three children – 18-year-old Violet, 15-year-old Seraphina, and 12-year-old Samuel. They continued, stating that co-parenting with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner is “going well,” and she has remained supportive through this time.

“Jennifer Garner is being communicative and an understanding shoulder for Ben,” the source added. “She’s there for him every step of the way and given the involvement of their kids, she’s very supportive. She also respects his private and personal life and doesn’t get too involved.”

Since Affleck and Lopez sold their marital mansion, he has purchased a home much closer to Garner and the children to stay close. Reportedly, Affleck was concerned with how his kids would handle the divorce from Lopez, especially since she has established a close bond with them over the past few years.

On the other side, Lopez is “doing as well as she can” given the circumstances, according to PEOPLE’s anonymous source. Although Lopez was the one who filed the divorce paperwork on their wedding anniversary, the insider suggested that Affleck was responsible for the divorce.

“It’s been incredibly difficult for her that Ben chose to pull away from their marriage and move on,” they stated. “She didn’t want a divorce. She wanted to figure things out. They love each other. Jennifer is not the type to just give up. It’s been almost torture for her to wait around.”

Despite this, the source hinted that the divorce filing brought some relief after a long and uncertain summer. “After filing for divorce, she seems relieved. Her family and friends agree that it was the right decision. She’s surrounded by a lot of love and support. She’ll be fine. She’s strong and always comes out on top,” they said.

Lopez has reportedly become quite close with Affleck’s children, especially 18-year-old Violet. Meanwhile, Lopez shares 16-year-old twins, Max and Emme, with her ex-husband Marc Anthony. According to ET’s source, “Co-parenting between Jen and Marc is going well. They’ve surpassed any former bumps in the road and just want the best for one another and their kids.”

Children were reportedly a significant factor in the long delay and uncertainty surrounding the breakup. The source mentioned, “They want to make sure the kids are comfortable with the transition and where they are living, etc. They don’t want to make it feel like they’re pulling the rug from underneath their children. They’re making a mutual effort to ensure that this transition is as healthy and easy as possible.”

Lopez and Affleck reportedly had no pre-nuptial agreement, which could complicate the division of their wealth and assets. However, they sold their mansion before filing for divorce, indicating some level of cooperation. PEOPLE consulted divorce attorney Marilyn Chinitz, who noted that Lopez filed the divorce paperwork herself, not through an attorney. This could signify that she and Affleck have a plan and do not intend to quarrel over money.

Chinitz commented, “I think that she most likely just wanted to get this done. There was a lot of hesitation and hemming and hawing back and forth, and it’s a statement: ‘I’m moving forward, I’m filing, and I’m doing it on my own.'”

Lopez and Affleck have already been living apart for months, but it’s unclear when their divorce proceedings will advance. Both are currently avoiding public commentary on their split as much as possible.

Source: ET, PEOPLE