Marilyn Milian Is ‘Literally Inseparable’ From Her Husband Of 30 Years Who Shares Same Passion For Justice

May 22, 2023

In the realm of televised courtroom dramas, few personalities have captured the hearts and minds of viewers like Judge Marilyn Milian. As the esteemed judge presiding over the long-running television series "The People's Court," she has become a symbol of justice, wisdom and integrity. With her unwavering commitment to fairness and her sharp legal acumen, Milian has earned a well-deserved reputation as a beloved figure in the legal community and beyond.

Milian was born on May 1, 1961, in Manhattan, New York, to Cuban immigrant parents. Growing up in a close-knit family, she absorbed the values of hard work and determination and excelled academically throughout her schooling.

She pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Miami, earning a degree in psychology. Driven by a passion for justice and a desire to make a meaningful impact, she went on to enroll at the Georgetown University Law Center, where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree. Milian then embarked on a distinguished legal career. She worked as a law clerk for a federal judge in the Southern District of Florida, gaining valuable insights into the inner workings of the judicial system. Milian then joined the Miami-Dade County Attorney's Office, where she honed her litigation skills and became a seasoned prosecutor.

In 1999, Milian's legal acumen and sterling reputation caught the attention of television producers seeking a new judge for the reality courtroom series "The People's Court." Known for its small claims disputes and its commitment to providing accessible justice, the show was the perfect platform for Milian to showcase her expertise. 

Milian's personal life has been marked by love, commitment, and a strong sense of family. Read on to find out more about her love story with her husband of 30 years and how they are getting on as empty nesters.

Since replacing Jerry Sheindlin on "The People's Court," Milian has charmed audiences with her quick wit, sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to fairness. Her warm and approachable demeanor creates a comfortable atmosphere in the courtroom, allowing litigants to present their cases in a clear and concise manner.

One of the hallmarks of Milian's judicial style is her ability to distill complex legal issues into easily understandable terms for the litigants and viewers at home. With her deep knowledge of the law and her astute analysis of the facts presented, she delivers well-reasoned and fair judgments that reflect her dedication to justice. 

Milian is married to John Schlesinger, a prominent attorney and former assistant United States attorney. Their relationship is a testament to their shared values and mutual support. In an "Off-Air With Judge Milian" episode, she opened up about how they first met at a bar where she made the first move.

"I met my husband like I met every other guy I ever dated – at a bar. There was a fellow standing between us – it was a group of state prosecutors and a group of federal prosecutors – I kept elbowing the fellow in between us, it was a federal prosecutor, saying 'introduce me to your friend, introduce me your friend,'" she recounted. 

They soon began dating, often at Chinese restaurants, although Milian admitted she harbored some apprehension about the relationship as she thought it could just end up being a rebound. However, she and Schlesinger continued to see each other for over a year before he proposed. 

The pair tied the knot in 1993, and together, they have been blessed with three daughters. The couple has always prioritized their family and has worked hard to instill strong values, discipline, and a sense of responsibility in their children.

Despite their demanding professional lives, Milian and Schlesinger have maintained a strong and supportive partnership. Their shared commitment to justice and the law has further strengthened their bond, creating a solid foundation for their relationship. 

During an interview on "The Drew Barrymore Show" together, the couple reminisced about how they would turn to each other for advice when trying cases and said that eventually working together on "The People's Court" was a natural progression.

"Every waking minute together, together!" Milian said with a laugh and added, "Being in the same business is a lot of fun. Now, we are literally, literally inseparable. We never imagined that this was gonna happen. In a million years. I never imagined that it would look like this, where our home life and our work life is all blended together." Schlesinger chimed in, "There's no respite, no hiding."

In 2023, the 62-year-old Milian and Schlesinger, 73, found themselves becoming empty nesters. Milian revealed in an Instagram video with Schlesinger that she thought "it was going to be completely miserable." Schlesinger agreed and said, "Right? Who knew there were this many hours in a day?" Milian shared they could now "eat where we want, go where we want, there's not three other people giving their opinions and not paying." 

On Apr. 20, 2023, the official Instagram account for "The People's Court" posted a throwback picture of Milian and her family in 2011, looking as loving and close as a family can be.

Milian and Schlesinger's relationship has stood the test of time as they supported and empowered one another in their careers. While Milian's role as a judge on "The People's Court" made her a public figure, she remains grounded in her personal life, finding fulfillment and happiness in her marriage and in raising their children.

What are your thoughts on Milian and Schlesinger's enduring relationship? If you enjoyed reading about their love story, be sure to pass this along to all the fans of "The People's Court" you know!