What is trial separation? Natalie Portman reportedly 'stuck in the middle' amid marriage woes with husband Benjamin Millepied
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Natalie Portman has reportedly decided on a “trial separation” with Benjamin Millepied amid rumors that he cheated on her with a 25-year-old climate activist.
Per RadarOnline, sources claimed the ‘Black Swan actress "doesn't want to throw it all away, but she's also desperately unhappy and having serious trust issues."
The sources also claimed that she was “stuck in the middle” regarding her marriage. "It's been very difficult to hold on to her marriage — and painful to let it go. She's stuck in the middle,” sources claimed.
Insiders reportedly claimed that the actress embraced "trial separation" as of now as this seemed like the "best solution at this point.”
French news outlet Voici alleged earlier that Millepied had an extramarital affair. However, an insider said, "It was short-lived and it is over,” per People.
What is trial separation?
As the name suggests, a trial separation is a type of separation where the spouses temporarily stay apart from each other to see what living and being apart is like.
Per the Freed Marcroft Divorce and Family Law, “A “therapeutic separation” is a specific type of trial separation that is structured and done in conjunction with a mental health professional.”
This type of separation is usually planned in advance to support the estranged spouses and their children (if any).
The primary goal of such a separation was to give the feuding couple “clarity on their intentions for the marriage” along with the best possible conditions to help them reflect on their marriage.
It is to be noted here that an insider told Us Weekly previously that while Portman felt “humiliated” at the news of Millepied’s affair, she also does not want her children to “grow up in a broken home.”
The insider reportedly said, “Natalie believes Benjamin’s affair was a brief and stupid liaison that means nothing to him.”
Portman and Millepied have two childre - son Aleph, 12, and six-year-old daughter Amalia.
Are Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied on talking terms?
While it was previously reported that the estranged couple was struggling in the relationship, Portman appeared without her wedding ring on August 4 on the couple’s wedding anniversary.
Another insider told Us Weekly that the actress did not know whether they would be able to mend their relationship following the scandal.
The insider said, “Right now, they are talking and working on it together for the sake of their children,” before adding that Millepied “regrets” the deed.