Jennifer Garner 'Missed' Ex Ben Affleck — 'And Didn't Realize It Until He Was Single Again,' Spills Source

In the world of divorced A-listers, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner set the gold standard. 

Since their 2015 split following a decade of marriage, they've been amiably living minutes from one another in the same ritzy L.A. 'hood, arranging frequent church outings and vacations with their three kids (Violet, 15, Seraphina, 12, and Samuel, 8) and singing each other's praises. 

"I am a giant fan of Jennifer," Affleck has gushed, while Garner has swooned, "He's the most brilliant person in any room." But Affleck and Garner, both 48, have also kept a respectable distance — until now. 

JENNIFER GARNER HAS DATED SOME OF HOLLYWOOD'S HOTTEST HUNKS — BEN AFFLECK & MORE

A source claims that since Affleck's split from live-in girlfriend Ana de Armas, 32, in January, he and Garner "have been spending more time together — not only with the children but also just the two of them." And the stars have been relishing the quality time. 

"Jen's confided to friends that it's been really nice getting to know Ben again," spills the source. "The truth is, Jen missed Ben when he was with Ana and didn't realize it until he was single again." 

Affleck, who revealed last year that divorcing Garner was "the biggest regret of my life," has recently sought out his ex for "a lot of soul-searching talks," notes the source. "Jen's been there for him, dropping off casseroles and making sure he's eating right." 

As OK! previously reported, Garner has been "picking up the pieces" since his split. "He doesn’t have many friends and she feels like it is her role to help. Jen liked Ana and hoped Ben had finally found someone who could deal with him. He isn’t easy,” a source previously dished. “Jen supports his sobriety and will do anything to help Ben stay on track."

WHY JENNIFER GARNER HAS ALWAYS STOOD BY EX-HUSBAND BEN AFFLECK — EVEN 6 YEARS AFTER THEIR HEARTBREAKING SEPARATION

Now, the coparents extraordinaire “are focused on raising their kids and being each other’s biggest supporters,” says an insider. 

Whether the newly tight bond turns romantic remains a lingering possibility. "All they'll tell friends is that they feel like they're a family again," says the source, "but who knows what the future holds."