DAVID ARQUETTE finally “manned up” and filed for divorce from his estranged wife, Courteney Cox – and she couldn’t be happier!
Although the couple separated in October 2010, the former “Friends” beauty had been dreading making the first move in their divorce because she was concerned about David’s fragile emotional state.
“Courteney’s secretly wanted this to happen for some time now, but she didn’t want to be the one to pull the trigger,” said a source close to the couple.
“She was worried sick about what David might do to himself if she did. The last thing she wanted was for him to relapse with his drug or booze addictions.”
Courteney, 48, and David, 40, met on the set of “Scream” in 1995 and married in 1999. They announced their split in 2010 after he was photographed with pretty Los Angeles party girl Jasmine Waltz.
After the separation, David’s behavior became very erratic. He began popping up at nightclubs, drinking heavily and seemed desperate for female attention.
“He’s gone through terrible mood swings, where he seems calm and rational one moment, then weepy and out of control the next,” said the source.
“There have been many times when Courteney has been truly afraid for his mental health and safety. But David finally seems to have put that behind him and he’s been on an even keel lately.
“By filing first, he’s shown Courteney that he’s finally grown up and is willing to move on.”
David filed on June 8, just days before leaving for Israel to film “Mile High” for the Travel Channel. Courteney responded by filing the same day. Each cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split, and they are seeking joint legal and physical custody of their 8-year-old daughter, Coco.
The source said the divorce is “one of the most amicable in Hollywood.” The couple even celebrated Courteney’s 48th birthday together in Malibu on June 15.
“Courteney and David have remained friends and kept their daughter their priority,” said the source.
