Judge Judy Married Her Husband Twice — Her Inspiring Love Story

Judge Judy Sheindlin found herself in a devastating predicament when she decided to divorce her spouse. Their breakup didn’t endure, though, and she later gave him the explanation for her decision to get married again.

Jerry Sheindlin, a lawyer and former judge, is married to Judge Judy Sheindlin, who is well-known for her work as a television court arbitrator and her experience as a prosecutor and family court judge.

Throughout their legal professions, Judy and her spouse have always helped one another. After being offered a position on “The People’s Court,” Jerry, who was a judge on the New York State Supreme Court at the time, sought guidance from his spouse.

“She is the one who told me I should do it,” he recounted in an interview, adding that if Judy had any reservations, he would not have accepted the part.

The New York native said, “I think that behind every great woman there is a man,” expressing his lack of concern for the competition despite his wife’s enormous success on television. […] However, I also heard a notion that there is always a woman behind every great man.

Just as Jerry was beginning to step back from his Supreme Court position, he started recording for “The People’s Court.” Compared to the 150 cases he used to oversee, his new duty, which involved overseeing roughly 10 cases each day, two days a week, was far lighter.

Since the outset, Jerry and Judy’s relationship has been based on their common legal professions. Jerry had recently finished defending a murder case when they first met in a club.

When Judy entered, she pointed a finger at him and said, “And who is this?” while he was speaking to a reporter. Jerry remembered. He gave a straightforward reply, saying, “‘Lady, get your finger out of my face.’ We’ve been together ever since.”

Jerry and Judy Sheindlin attend Women’s Righs in Afghanistan Benefit Gala on March 29, 1999, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Jerry added, in a joking manner, “If my show takes off and I beat her, I am contacting Hollywood immediately to remake the movie ‘Sleeping With the Enemy.’” He had liked watching Judy’s success on television.

With their distinct humor and audacity, the couple’s relationship kept developing. Judy quietly proposed marriage after a year of dating, but Jerry wasn’t convinced.

Jerry and Judy Sheindlin attend 46th Annual Spirit of Achievement Luncheon on May 1, 2000, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

“It’s only a piece of paper; why does the government have to control our relationship? He assured her, “We’re already committed to each other, we’re already dedicated to each other.”

Instead of pressing the matter, Judy merely said that Jerry should seek her father’s approval if he wanted them to live together. Jerry decided to establish a wedding date instead of confronting her father, and the two were married in 1977.

Jerry and Judy Sheindlin attend Merv Griffin’s Coconut Club for a special performance on January 13, 2001, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Despite their strong commitment to one another, the couple’s relationship took a hit in 1990 when they got divorced. The strain resulted from Judy’s extreme mental stress following the death of her father, Murray Blum. They wedded a year later, so their separation didn’t last long.

“I missed her presence the very first week that we were separated,” Jerry said, reflecting on that trying time. We weren’t able to see each other every day for the first time in years. It was such an odd encounter.

Jerry and Judy Sheindlin pictured down Madison Ave on January 29, 2002, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Judy, meanwhile, admitted that she had missed Jerry during their separation and that she liked being married. Sharing life as a spouse and the bond that comes with marriage hold a particular place in her heart.

In a rare interview, Judy, who remarried following their divorce, talked candidly about their brief separation. She gave the following explanation when asked why she decided to get back together with Jerry in 1991: “That’s a long story, but the end of the story is: I found … that most men were alike.”

The well-known person continued by discussing her opinions on the distinctions between men and women. “They have basic needs that are different from women’s,” she stated.

They like to be cared for, showered with love, and have their own place. According to Judy, they are generally happy as long as they are fed, loved, and allowed space to do as they choose.

Judy and Jerry Sheindlin at the Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai’s Annual Luncheon on April 13, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

She has never held back when discussing the complexities of her enduring marriage to Jerry. She provided some insight on how they have maintained their relationship after almost 50 years together in an interview conducted in January 2024.

She clarified that “you don’t spend 24 hours together because that’s deadly,” emphasizing the value of individual privacy. Judy continued, “Jerry just celebrated his 90th birthday and I still like to look at him when he walks in the room—that’s a key.”

Judy and Jerry Sheindlin pictured on December 17, 2022, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

On October 21, 2024, Judy will turn 82 years old. Judy has always emphasized the need of keeping one’s looks in check, especially as one matures. But she doesn’t have to nag Jerry about staying in shape because he already knows how to do it.

He has a deep love for himself. Even though Jerry is about ten years my senior, I believe he wants to outlast me. According to the TV personality, who previously suffered a mini-stroke while filming a show, “He takes very good care of himself.”

Fans are still captivated by Judy and Jerry’s unwavering relationship, both on and off screen. She shared a touching photo of the couple on Facebook, which immediately won praise from fans.

“You and your husband look so good together,” someone said. One person said, “I love [sic] your smiles,” and another said, “You look amazing.” I appreciate your practical, common-sense assessments.

The enduring bond between Judy and Jerry Sheindlin serves as a testament to the strength of love, respect, and a sense of humor. Their deep friendship after almost 50 years together shows that genuine companionship can withstand all of life’s hardships.