Ben Affleck 'preparing to move out of family guest house' as divorce from Jennifer Garner proceeds

Published: 22:07 BST, 14 April 2017 | Updated: 00:37 BST, 15 April 2017

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Ben Affleck is preparing to move into his own place now that his divorce from Jennifer Garner is in progress.

For two years the 45-year-old actor has been living in a guest house on the duo's estate in Pacific Palisades, California.

The actor has apparently found a new pad close enough to Jennifer, 44, and their three children, Violet, 11, and Seraphina, eight and Samuel, five.

Time to go: Ben Affleck, pictured Thursday, is preparing to move out of the guest house he was living in next-door to estranged wife Jennifer Garner following divorce proceedings

The Argo star has his sights set on a property nearby but hasn't yet closed the deal,TMZ revealed on Friday.

The plan is to keep the children together and for the actors to live close enough to each other so they can continue to co-parent.

Aerial shots have emerged showing Ben's living quarters surrounded by unkept outdoor areas.

Garden furniture is seen covered up, the swimming pool out of use and gardens seemingly not maintained.

Ben and Jen bought the 8,800 sq ft compound in 2009 for $17.5million.

Separated: Aerial shots show Ben's living quarters, which he's been living in for two years since the couplel split, and unkept surrounding grounds

Better for everyone: The Hollywood stars have stayed close to co-parent their three children

On June 30, 2015 the couple announced in a joint statement that they planning to divorce after 10 years of marriage.

And after months of speculation that the twosome might be reconciling, they 'amicably' filed for divorce on Thursday.

Irreconcilable differences were cited in the paperwork filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, where Jennifer filed the divorce petition and Ben filed an identical response.

The pair are said to have filed without using a lawyer, and they are asking for joint legal and physical custody of their three children.

Compound: Ben and Jen bought the 8,800 sq ft property in 2009 for $17.5million

Daddy duty: Ben was seen with daughter Violet on Thursday

Morning stroll: Earlier in the day Jennifer took Violet and Seraphina to school

The actors have no prenuptial agreement, with each entitled to an equal split of assets. Ben is worth an estimated $105 million, while his spouse's is said to be worth $60 million.

It is believed a mediator will handle the divorce, rather than a judge.

While the couple are negotiating a financial settlement, it is expected the divorce could be finalized within six months.

Ben recently announced that he completed treatment for alcohol addiction last month.