HOLLYWOOD - Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon and her husband Ryan Phillippe have separated after seven years of marriage.
The couple's representative released a statement to entertainment news Web site TMZ.com earlier today saying, "We are saddened to announce that Reese & Ryan have decided to formally separate.
"They remain committed to their family and we ask that you please respect their privacy and the safety of their children at this time."
The pair have two children, Ava, 7, and Deacon, 3.
Sources tell TMZ that Witherspoon has contacted celebrity divorce lawyer Robert Kaufman, who has represented Jennifer Aniston, Roseanne Barr and Lisa Marie Presley.
The source added that the separation was not triggered by one particular event, but that it was "cumulative."
Divorce papers have not yet been officially filed.
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