"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."

Sources tell TMZ that Reese has contacted celebrity divorce lawyer Robert Kaufman, who has represented Jennifer Aniston, Roseanne and Lisa Marie Presley. As for why Witherspoon contacted Kaufman, we're told it was not triggered by one event. Rather, one connected source says it was "cumulative". The staff of Glamour Reese Witherspoon are saddened and shocked to hear the news. We wish the best to both Reese and Ryan during this time, which we can image to be incredibly difficult for the whole family. Like Reese and Ryan stated in the announced, we too hope that their privacy will be respected. Our thoughts are with you!

Read what Glamour Reese Witherspoon's visitors had to say. Please note the comment is only the opinion of one person, and does not necessarily reflect ours.

From Em

I am schocked at the moment. This deeply saddens me...

My thoughts and prayers are with their family

From Leah

I read that and felt like someone hit me in the face with a frying pan. Totally did not see that coming. This is so sad!

From Jen

That is so sad! Reese and Ryan seemed made for each other; hopefully they will be able to work things out. If not, I hope that things go as smoothly for them as possible.

From Jess

They were THE best celebrity couple. Not only that, but they were the only celebrity couple I truly thought would last. I wish them both the best...This is so sad!

From Jonathan

OMG... I am absolutely stunned and heartbroken like everyone else. I wish both of them would be able to handle everything gracefully and with care...

From Mycah

This is the only "Hollywood" marriage I thought would last. This is really shocking, but I think that their privacy should be respected at this time and let them be with their families. I wish them the best.

From Justin

As have been said before, I thought they would last forver, but no matter how strong a love you have for someone, things can always get in the way. (Myself comes to mind having experience a divorce myself.)

I do hope things work out, but only for the best and if the best is that they do seperate forever, then I hope they are happy.

Hollywood changes people over time, it doesn't matter who you are. But life is life. I hope their children will get through this, my son committed suicide (I'm not implying that their kids will do the same). There's my two cents.

From Sandra

Wow, that's a surprise. Out of all the celebrity couples in Hollywood, I definitely ranked Ryan and Reese as one of the most balanced and well-working relationships. Awww... :(

From Sarimar

They seemed like the perfect couple but I guess it just shows that you never know what's really going on in someone's life when the "curtains" close.

My thoughts are with their children, I hope they'll be alright.

From Filip

Wow. This is really an unpleasant surprise. I thought Resse and Ryan were one of the Hollywood-couples, along with Courteney Cox and David Arquette, who'd really last. I hope their privacy will be respected this time.

From Julia

I CANNOT believe this. I've ALWAYS thought that Reese and Ryan was one of those couples that would NEVER split. Now I'm just in chock and even more convinced that Hollywood marriages never last.

OMG, I really need time to settle this. Reese and Ryan?! They always look so happy and talk dearly of each other.. I can't believe this.

My prayers are with their family and friends.

From Martha

I was so suprised. But as the news sinks in, I predict that they will stay friends. They both really love their work, so I think each will be happy in their work.

From April

ok - for all those who are saying get back together - think of the children, get over it. you obversely have never been in a simular situation. you NEVER stay in an unhappy marriage for children.

i wish reese and ryan all the best and hope they come to an arrangement to suit all.

From Sarah M.

I am deeply saddened by the recent news. Reese is a strong dignified woman. She is my role model. She is the pillar of grace and determination and I have no doubt, that in time, she will pull through this. My sincerest thoughts are with her and her children during this difficult (and unfortunately public) time.

From reese_fan

OMGosh, the second I heard this, it broke my heart! It's completly hard to believe! It's kind of impossible! Who imagined that reese and ryan would split! Or reese would file divorce papers? They were hollywood's IT and mostly beautiful couple! I guess looks can fool you because they both always look happy and in love! I really wonder what happened, what went wrong! Guess no one will ever know