Home News Plus4

The Shocking Secret To 47 Years: Who Is Judge Judy's Husband And The 'Deadly' Habit They Avoid

• minute read
Contents

For over four decades, Judge Judy Sheindlin has been the undisputed queen of the courtroom, known for her sharp wit and no-nonsense rulings. While her professional life is an open book on television, many fans remain curious about the man who holds the gavel in her private life. As of December 19, 2025, Judge Judy’s husband is the equally accomplished and fascinating Gerald "Jerry" Sheindlin, a former New York State Supreme Court Justice and a television judge in his own right.

Their enduring, decades-long partnership is one of Hollywood’s great love stories, though it includes a surprising and brief divorce that few remember. The key to their long-lasting marriage, which Judy herself recently revealed, hinges on avoiding a single, "deadly" habit that she believes can doom any relationship.

Gerald "Jerry" Sheindlin: A Full Biography of Judge Judy's Husband

Gerald "Jerry" Sheindlin is far more than just "Judge Judy's husband." He is a distinguished jurist, a decorated military veteran, an author, and a television personality whose career parallels his famous wife's in many ways.

Personal and Military Life

  • Full Name: Gerald Sheindlin
  • Date of Birth: November 19, 1933
  • Hometown: The Bronx, New York City, USA
  • Military Service: Jerry Sheindlin served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, joining the Navy in 1951.
  • Education: He earned his bachelor's degree from Long Island University.
  • First Meeting with Judy: The couple met at a bar in New York City while Judy was working as a prosecutor and Jerry had just finished trying a murder case. He famously told her, "I’m the judge who just tried the murder case," to which she replied, "I don’t care."

Legal and Judicial Career

Jerry Sheindlin's legal career spanned decades, marking him as a serious figure in the New York justice system. His path to the bench was progressive and highly respected.

He began his judicial career in 1980 when he was appointed as a U.S. administrative law judge. By 1983, he transitioned to a criminal court judge role. His most significant judicial appointment came in 1986 when he began serving as a trial judge, ultimately becoming a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, a position he held until his retirement in 1999.

A notable aspect of his career was his pioneering work in forensic science. Jerry Sheindlin was instrumental in the early use of DNA evidence in American courtrooms, a contribution that highlights his forward-thinking approach to law.

Television and Author Career

Following his retirement from the New York State Supreme Court, Jerry Sheindlin followed his wife into the world of television court shows. He served as the presiding judge on the revival of The People's Court from 1999 to 2001.

Beyond the bench, he is also an accomplished author, having penned two books that reflect his deep legal expertise: Genetic Fingerprinting: The Law and Science of DNA Evidence and Blood Trail.

The Verdict on Love: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

The relationship between Judy and Jerry Sheindlin has been anything but conventional, marked by a passionate beginning, a shocking split, and a successful reunion. They are both highly driven, successful legal minds, and their love story is a testament to the idea that some couples are simply meant to be.

The First Marriage and Shocking Split

Judy and Jerry first married in 1977, marking the second marriage for both of them. Judy had previously been married to Ronald Levy, with whom she had two children, and Jerry had three children from his first marriage.

However, their marriage hit a major roadblock in 1990, leading to a brief but emotionally charged divorce. Judy has been candid about the reason for the split: her emotional state following the death of her father. She became overwhelmed and difficult to live with, and Jerry, tired of her behavior, told her, "I can’t do this anymore." The split lasted only 11 months before they realized they were better together.

The Remarriage and Enduring Partnership

The couple remarried in 1991, and their second union has proven unbreakable, lasting over three decades since their reconciliation. They celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary in 2024.

Their relationship is often cited as a model for long-term commitment, proving that even a brief divorce doesn't have to be the final word. Judy often speaks highly of her husband, affectionately referring to his "physique" and "psychique" even as he celebrated his 90th birthday.

The 'Deadly' Marriage Habit Judge Judy and Jerry Sheindlin Avoid

In a recent interview, Judge Judy (Judith Sheindlin) revealed the secret to her and Jerry’s enduring, decades-long marriage, warning that a common habit among couples can be "deadly" to a relationship. The revelation offers unique insight into how two high-powered, successful individuals maintain their bond.

The "deadly" habit they consciously avoid is simply spending too much time together. Judge Judy's advice is surprisingly counter-intuitive to traditional marriage counseling.

She stated, "You don't spend 24 hours together because that's deadly." The Sheindlins maintain separate homes, a strategy that ensures they have personal space, independence, and a chance to miss one another. Judy explains that by not being in each other's presence constantly, they keep the relationship fresh and appreciative.

This approach highlights a crucial element of their success: respecting each other’s independence and maintaining separate, thriving professional lives. It’s a modern, pragmatic solution for a power couple who value both their union and their autonomy.

The Sheindlin Family Legacy: Children and Grandchildren

The Sheindlin marriage created a large, blended family that is a source of great pride for both Judy and Jerry. Together, they have five children and a total of 13 grandchildren.

The Five Children

The five children are a result of the couple's respective first marriages, but they have been raised as a cohesive blended family unit.

  • Judy's Children (from first marriage to Ronald Levy):
    • Jamie Hartwright (Daughter)
    • Gregory Sheindlin (Son)
  • Jerry's Children (from first marriage):
    • Jonathan Sheindlin (Son)
    • Adam Sheindlin (Son)
    • Nicole Sheindlin (Daughter)

The family's legal legacy extends to the next generation, with some of their children, including Adam and Nicole, following their parents into the legal profession.

With 13 grandchildren, the Sheindlins have built an expansive and influential family tree. Their enduring partnership, built on mutual respect, professional independence, and a brief, necessary separation, serves as a powerful testament to their unique approach to love and life.

who is judge judy's husband
who is judge judy's husband

Detail Author:

  • Name : Merritt Abbott
  • Username : wschaefer
  • Email : chet.langworth@feeney.com
  • Birthdate : 1998-01-08
  • Address : 643 Sarai Underpass Bernieceton, PA 45424
  • Phone : 510-630-8944
  • Company : Vandervort and Sons
  • Job : Mixing and Blending Machine Operator
  • Bio : Repellat sunt fugiat consequatur cum. Exercitationem quae non odit similique. Qui nisi incidunt quis sint magni et sit. Rerum sunt quibusdam perspiciatis. Laborum libero qui aliquam itaque ea.

Socials

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/jeff3152
  • username : jeff3152
  • bio : Facere quasi aut repellat officia aut eaque et. Recusandae dolorem omnis nobis et fuga aliquid sapiente. Voluptatem porro et et officiis earum eum.
  • followers : 626
  • following : 381

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/jherzog
  • username : jherzog
  • bio : Eum quo rem quia. Culpa voluptatibus quia qui laboriosam. Enim rerum accusantium sapiente qui.
  • followers : 6727
  • following : 754

facebook:

Random Posts