Courteney Cox-arquette's Pal In Marriage Split

Courteney Cox-arquette's Pal In Marriage Split

One of Courteney Cox-Arquette's best friends has also split from her husband.

Laura Dern, a close pal of the actress - who has just announced she and spouse David Arquette have been undergoing a trial separation for several months - was stunned on Friday (08.10.10) when musician Ben Harper announced he was filing for divorce, citing "irreconcilable differences".

Laura and musician Ben - who have two children together Ellery nine, and five-year-old Jaya - had been married for five years.

Unlike Courtney and David - who are believed to have agreed joint custody of their six-year-old daughter Coco - Ben is said to be filing for sole responsibility of their children.

Announcing their separation in a joint statement, Courtney and David said this week: "We have agreed to a trial separation that dates back for some time. The reason for this separation is to better understand ourselves and the qualities we need in a partner and for our marriage. We remain best friends and responsible parents to our daughter and we still love each other deeply."

The former 'Friends' actress and the 39-year-old actor met on the set of 'Scream' in 1996 and were married three years later.