What Is Lynn Toler’s Net Worth?

Lynn Toler, a renowned American judge, attorney, author, and television personality, boasts a net worth of $20 million. She gained fame as the face of the reality courtroom series “Divorce Court” from 2006 to 2020, a show that received Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program in 2011, 2014, and 2018. Toler obtained her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and served as the sole municipal judge in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, for eight years. During her tenure, she contributed to boards like The Juvenile Diabetes Board, The Cleveland Domestic Violence Center, and The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. She also initiated a mentoring program for young girls and was honored with the Humanitarian of the Year Award by the Cleveland Domestic Violence Center in 2002. As an author, Toler has penned several books, including “My Mother’s Rules: A Practical Guide to Becoming an Emotional Genius” and “Making Marriage Work: New Rules for an Old Institution.” She also hosted “Marriage Boot Camp” and produced the 2023 drama series “Judge Me Not.”

Lynn Toler Salary Per Episode

Initially, Toler earned $300,000 per season when she joined “Divorce Court,” but this figure rose to $500,000 by the second season. By 2011, her salary skyrocketed to $3 million per year, eventually reaching $5 million annually. The show filmed in Los Angeles until 2018, then relocated to Atlanta, producing around 160 episodes each year. Toler’s earnings translated to $31,250 per episode, and she filmed 10 episodes daily over 16 days annually, resulting in a daily income of $312,500.

Early Life

Born Lynn Candace Toler on October 25, 1959, in Columbus, Ohio, Toler faced emotional challenges due to her father’s bipolar disorder. In a 2007 NPR interview, she disclosed experiencing two nervous breakdowns by age 12. Her mother’s guidance played a pivotal role in helping her manage her emotional well-being. Toler attended Columbus School for Girls, graduated from Harvard College with a degree in English and American Literature in 1981, and earned her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1984.

Career

Toler’s legal career began with a focus on civil law. In 1993, she defied odds by winning a judicial race in a predominantly Democratic district as a Republican, with a narrow victory of six votes. From 1994 to 2000, she was Cleveland Heights Municipal Court’s only judge, handling traffic, misdemeanors, and minor civil cases. Known for unconventional judgments, she often assigned handwritten essays and developed intervention and mentoring programs. Toler served on the boards of The Cleveland Domestic Violence Center and The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, earning the 2002 Humanitarian of the Year Award from the former. She led the Cleveland Heights Coordinated Community Response to Violence against Women and advised Templum House, a women’s shelter. From 2001 to 2006, Toler also taught Women’s Rights and Civil Rights Law at Ursuline College as an adjunct professor.

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In 2001, Toler stepped into the spotlight as the presiding judge on “Power of Attorney,” succeeding Andrew Napolitano until the show’s cancellation. Her career soared in 2006 when she took over as the arbitrator on “Divorce Court,” replacing Mablean Ephriam and becoming its longest-serving judge until 2020.

Beyond “Divorce Court,” Toler hosted the MyNetworkTV series “Decision House” and regularly contributed to NPR’s “News and Notes.” In February 2020, she began hosting We TV’s “Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars” and in 2023, launched the drama series “Judge Me Not” on Allblk as creator and executive producer. Her first book, “My Mother’s Rules: A Practical Guide to Becoming an Emotional Genius,” reflects on her mother’s life lessons, which helped Toler navigate challenges, including growing up with a father who battled mental illness and alcoholism. Her other works include “Put it in Writing!: Creating Agreements Between Family and Friends” (co-authored with Deborah Hutchison), “Dear Sonali, Letters to the Daughter I Never Had,” and “Making Marriage Work: New Rules for an Old Institution.”

Personal Life

Lynn married Eric Mumford on April 6, 1989, and they welcomed two children together. Toler is also stepmother to Mumford’s four sons from a previous marriage. Lynn and Eric remained together until Mumford’s death on December 23, 2022. Politically, Toler has identified as an Independent since 2017, and she has donated to Democratic candidates such as President Joe Biden, Amy McGrath, and Jaime Harrison.