Noah Wyle and his wife, Tracy Wyle, have separated after 11 years of marriage, according to a family spokesperson.

“Tracy Wyle and Noah Wyle, who separated in late October 2009, have confirmed they have entered into a mediation process,” read the released statement. “Neither has legally filed for divorce. Tracy and Noah live in separate residences; however their two children (Owen, 7, and Auden, 4) see both parents daily.”

Wyle, best known from the television show ER, married Tracy, a makeup artist, in 1998. They met on the set of a movie in 1996, two years after the debut of ER.

Wyle recently wrapped a TNT pilot for a sci-fi show, co-produced by Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks Television.

It is interesting that neither has filed for divorce yet and maybe more interesting that the publicist felt the need to point that out. Mediation is a settlement negotiation process involving a neutral third-party who facilitates discussion and compromise between parties. It is certainly not relationship counseling and is a surefire indicator that this matter will eventually be finalized in court.

My best guess is that the Wyles wanted to fly under the radar for as long as possible in this process and are attempting to come to a settlement agreement before even filing for divorce so that the legalities will be quick and private. Rather civilized, especially for Hollywood.