Despite persistent rumors about their tumultuous relationship, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are taking their time before officially announcing their split.
A source tells ET that the couple is “waiting to announce their official split, because they want to make sure everything is seamless when they do, especially with everyone involved. Neither of them want this process to be rushed. They are treating the separation with as much grace, understanding, and gentleness as they can.”
The writing seems to be on the wall, with the couple spending recent holidays — as well as Lopez’s birthday — apart, and Affleck moving out of their shared Los Angeles home into a new estate of his own. However, the couple have more than just themselves to consider, especially with five children between them.
“They want to make sure the kids are comfortable with the transition and where they are living, etcetera,” ET’s source continued. “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.”
Another source recently told ET that Affleck is feeling “hopeful” about the upcoming changes and his new home — which is closer to his ex, Jennifer Garner, to aid in co-parenting their three kids: Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12.
“Ben really likes his new home and feels hopeful about the change,” the source explained at the time. “It’s been a hard time for him, but he’s continuing to make his wellbeing and his family a priority.”
ET’s latest source agrees, adding, “Ben wanted to be closer to his kids with his new home and wanted a new, fresh, personal space where he can focus on work and be in his most creative zone without any outside distractions.”
As for Lopez, ET’s source notes that she’s “also ready to move forward and is ready to close this chapter cordially.”
“The timing of the transition made her birthday a bit more difficult, but with the support of her friends and family, she’s doing her best day by day,” the source adds.
Lopez and Affleck were originally together from 2002-04, calling off their first engagement in January 2004. They reunited and rekindled their relationship in 2021, tying the knot in Las Vegas in July 2022.
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