Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have maintained a notably respectful relationship since ending their marriage, particularly when it comes to raising their three children. Despite moving on with their separate lives, the former couple have continued to come together for important family moments.

Their approach to co-parenting has often kept their children at the center of their relationship. Now, another family occasion has brought Garner and Affleck together, offering a glimpse into the bond they have maintained years after their divorce.

Jennifer Garner reunited with Ben Affleck on August 15, 2026, as the actor celebrated his 54th birthday with two of their children. The family was spotted during a relaxed daytime outing in Santa Monica, California, including a stop at the Farmshop market. The former couple appeared comfortable and in good spirits as they spent time together with their children during the low-key celebration.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner appeared casual for the occasion  In photos shared by the Daily Mail, while their youngest children, Fin, 17, and Samuel, 14, joined them. Their eldest daughter, Violet, 20, was not pictured with the group. The outing came just weeks after Affleck's mother, Chris Anne, died in June, making the family gathering particularly meaningful.

Jennifer Garner Highlights Ups and Lows of Co-parenting After Divorce With Ben Affleck

While Garner and Affleck have continued to prioritize their children, the actress has previously spoken candidly about how difficult it could be to raise them under intense public scrutiny.

Years before this birthday outing, Jennifer Garner became an outspoken advocate for protecting celebrity children from aggressive paparazzi attention. She joined Halle Berry in supporting California legislation in 2013 after experiencing increasingly invasive situations involving her children.

Speaking on the Shut Up Evan podcast, Garner recalled how photographers would follow her family and make even ordinary activities difficult. She described the situation as “totally ludicrous” and said it had become a danger to everyone around them.

One soccer association reportedly asked the family not to attend games because nearly 20 paparazzi vehicles would arrive. On another occasion, photographers allegedly blocked the entrance to a pediatrician’s office while Garner was trying to take a sick child inside.

“The kids are paying the price,” said Jennifer Garner on the podcast. 

Jennifer Garner and Halle Berry ultimately testified before the California State Assembly Committee on Public Safety in support of legislation aimed at protecting celebrity children from aggressive photographers. Although the bill was eventually passed, Garner noted that life under the public eye continued to present challenges.

Her experiences help put the family’s efforts to maintain a sense of normalcy into perspective, particularly as Garner and Affleck continue to prioritize their children. Despite the challenges of living under constant public scrutiny, the former couple have continued to come together for important moments in their children’s lives.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Reunite for a Rare Family Outing With Their Kids

What do you think of Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck’s approach to co-parenting? Share your thoughts in the comments.