Photo: www.faithjenkins.com
Faith Jenkins is about to call for order in the court.
By Nicole Pomarico — Written on Mar 10, 2020
After more than 10 years presiding over Divorce Court, judge Lynn Toler is leaving the show, and now, we know who will be replacing her.
It's official: Judge Faith Jenkins will be replacing Toler, and since she's just gotten married, it sounds like it's been a pretty exciting year for her already.
So who is Faith Jenkins? Here's everything fans need to know about the new lady in charge of the popular daytime series.
1. Jenkins was announced the new judge on March 5.
The news broke last week, when it was officially reported that Jenkins would be taking over for Toler starting in July 2020 after Toler was at the helm of the show for 13 years. This makes her the third judge in the series' history since its launch in 1999.
“We are confident that Judge Faith’s energy and passion for each case will build on the legacy of this program created by the exceptional talents of Judge Mablean and Judge Lynn Toler,” said the executive vice president of programming for Fox Television Studios, Stephen Brown, in a statement.
2. Over the weekend, she married singer Kenny Lattimore.
Lattimore and Jenkins tied the knot on March 8 in a ceremony in Los Angeles, where Stevie Wonder performed as Jenkins walked down the aisle. In an interview, Jenkins revealed that they first met on a blind date and had been inseparable ever since.
“I feel really calm,” she said “I’m more excited to be marrying someone who has exceeded my expectations from day one and who I believe will be an incredible husband.”
3. But who is Faith Jenkins? She's a former pageant queen.
Before Jenkins was a judge, she scored two major titles: Miss Louisiana in 2000, as well as being the runner up to Miss America in 2001. She's also been an attorney in New York for 14 years, and has offered up legal commentary on several different TV news networks, and has experience working with women in New York's family court.
4. She also had her own show, Judge Faith.
Divorce Court won't be the first time Jenkins is presiding in court on TV. From 2014-2018, Jenkins starred in Judge Faith, her own arbitration-based courtroom TV show that focused on small claims cases. The show is now in syndication after running for 76 episodes.
5. Jenkins has shared her excitement about her new gig on Instagram.
Jenkins posted the announcement about Divorce Court on Instagram last week, along with a caption about what the new job means to her — as well as her respect for Toler, the judge who came before her.
"Judge Lynn has been a trailblazer in so many ways but especially in the court TV genre. It’s an honor to follow in her footsteps on the longest running court show on television! " she wrote. "I still remember watching Judge Mablean on this show when I was in law school. As the first black woman to have a court show on tv she broke barriers for so many including me."
6. Lattimore also congratulated his new wife on the job.
Lattimore shared the news on his own account the same day, and it sounds like he's one proud husband.
"I am beyond proud that my wife to be @judgefaithjenkins has become the new judge for Divorce Court," he wrote. "I know she will bring her professional knowledge as well as her authentic and intriguing personality to this daytime staple. Congrats Faith & thank you to Judge Lynn for your leadership in helping build a great brand in daytime tv!"
Nicole Pomarico is an entertainment and lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in Cosmo, Us Weekly, Refinery29, and more.