Tobey Maguire, Sans Wedding Ring, Steps Out for First Time Since Split from Wife Jennifer Meyer

Photo: Mark Kreusch / Splash News

Tobey Maguire was photographed Monday in Santa Monica, California, his first public outing since he and Jennifer Meyer announced that they were separating after nine years of marriage.

The actor, 41, was spotted chatting with two men as he took an afternoon stroll down Halloween-decorated streets.

Maguire dressed casually for the outing, wearing a pair of red athletic shorts and a black sweatshirt. He carried his phone and wallet in his left hand, revealing the absence of his wedding ring.

The outing comes just days after Meyer was also spotted out on the town. The jewelry designer, 39, was all smiles as she walked around Los Angeles with a friend last week.

A source previously told PEOPLE that in the months leading up to their split, the couple led “separate lives” outside of their time with their kids.

“They had a life together with the kids, but also separate lives. It really seemed to work for them,” the source said. “They took turns caring for the kids so they could spend time with their separate group of friends, too.”

The former couple announced their plans to separate in a joint statement to PEOPLE.

“After much soul searching and consideration we have made the decision to separate as a couple,” the two said. “As devoted parents, our first priority remains raising our children together with enduring love, respect and friendship.”

Maguire and Meyer are parents to two children — daughter Ruby, 9, and son Otis, 7.

A second source told PEOPLE that the couple’s very different personalities had also put a strain on their relationship.

“He’s extremely private and prefers to stay home, and she’s very social and has tons of girlfriends,” the source explained. “They haven’t been happy together for a long time. But they are great parents and they love their children.”