Have you ever wondered how much Judge Mathis is worth today? Whether you’ve seen his courtroom show or heard about his inspiring journey from Detroit streets to TV fame, his story is one of resilience, success, and wealth. In this article, we’ll explore Judge Mathis’ net worth, salary, income sources, career highlights, and personal life in a friendly, easy-to-read way.
Who Is Judge Mathis

Early Life and Background
Gregory Ellis Mathis, widely known as Judge Mathis, was born on April 5, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in a tough neighborhood and faced many challenges as a youth. Despite early run-ins with the law, he turned his life around after being inspired by his mother and a local judge who gave him a second chance.
Education Journey
After finishing high school, Mathis attended Eastern Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. He later went on to complete his Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. His academic turnaround marked the beginning of an incredible journey from a troubled teen to a respected judge and TV personality.
Beginning of Legal Career
In 1995, Mathis became the youngest person ever elected as a district court judge in Michigan’s 36th District Court. His reputation for being firm yet fair helped him gain local recognition.
Rise to Television Fame
In 1999, Mathis launched his syndicated courtroom series “Judge Mathis.” The show quickly became one of the longest-running court TV programs, running for 24 seasons until 2023. His authentic personality and real-life experience made him relatable to millions of viewers.
Judge Mathis Age and Family
As of 2025, Judge Mathis is 65 years old. He is married to Linda Reese, and the couple has four children — Jade, Camara, Greg Jr., and Amir Mathis. His family has often been featured in media appearances and interviews.
Judge Mathis Net Worth and Income Overview
Current Estimated Net Worth
As of 2025, Judge Mathis’ net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. Different reports estimate his wealth between $20 million and $25 million, reflecting decades of earnings from TV, book deals, and investments.
| Source of Estimate | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Celebrity Net Worth | $25 million |
| The Richest | $20 million |
| Tuko (Lifestyle Publication) | $22 million |
Judge Mathis Salary Per Episode
While his exact per-episode salary has not been publicly confirmed, reports estimate that Mathis earned around $5 million annually from his show. Given the show’s production schedule, that likely translates to tens of thousands of dollars per episode.
Breakdown of Income Sources
Judge Mathis has multiple income streams contributing to his wealth. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Income Source | Contribution Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| TV Show Salary | High | Judge Mathis show salary and Mathis Court earnings |
| Book Deals | Moderate | Royalties from published books and memoirs |
| Public Speaking | Moderate | Paid appearances and motivational speeches |
| Real Estate | Moderate | Property sales and investments in Los Angeles |
| Production Work | Low | Involvement in new TV projects and media ventures |
Mathis Court With Judge Mathis
After his long-running show ended in 2023, Mathis continued his career with a new show titled “Mathis Court with Judge Mathis.” The series airs on Justice Central, with his son Amir Mathis appearing as the bailiff.
Wealth Over Time
Judge Mathis’ wealth didn’t come overnight. His consistent TV success, brand value, and disciplined financial management helped him grow his net worth steadily over the years.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | $1 million | Early seasons of Judge Mathis |
| 2010 | $10 million | Gained national fame |
| 2020 | $20 million | Continued TV success |
| 2025 | $25 million | Launch of Mathis Court |
Career Journey of Judge Mathis
Becoming a Michigan Judge
In 1995, Mathis was elected to Michigan’s 36th District Court. His history as someone who had once faced the justice system gave him a unique perspective, earning him admiration and respect from many.
Launch of Judge Mathis TV Show
In 1999, Warner Bros. approached him to host a televised courtroom show. “Judge Mathis” quickly became one of the most popular courtroom series in America, blending humor, real-life lessons, and justice.
Awards and Recognitions
Judge Mathis has won several awards, including a Daytime Emmy Award in 2018 for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program. He also received a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star in 2022 for his contribution to television.
End of the Judge Mathis Show
After 24 successful seasons, the original show ended in 2023. However, his career didn’t slow down — he immediately launched his new show, Mathis Court, continuing his legacy.
Public Speaking and Media Appearances
Aside from television, Mathis is also a motivational speaker, often addressing topics like youth reform, justice, and second chances.
Personal Life of Judge Mathis
Judge Mathis Wife
Judge Mathis has been married to Linda Reese since 1985. She is an educator and has stood by Mathis through all phases of his life. Together, they are involved in community service and philanthropy.
Judge Mathis Wife Net Worth
While there is no public record of Linda Reese Mathis’ net worth, it’s believed she shares in her husband’s wealth, with a comfortable lifestyle supported by his $25 million fortune.
Judge Mathis Divorce News
In 2024, reports surfaced that Linda Reese filed for divorce citing “irreconcilable differences.” However, some sources suggest they may have reconciled later that year. Regardless, they remain public figures known for mutual respect and family unity.
Judge Mathis Children
Judge Mathis and Linda have four children: Jade, Camara, Greg Jr., and Amir. Amir Mathis gained attention for working with his father on TV, serving as the bailiff on Mathis Court. However, his position is part of the show — not a real court role.
Is Judge Mathis’ Son a Real Bailiff
While Amir appears as a bailiff on the show, his duties are for entertainment purposes. In real courts, bailiffs have official law enforcement training and certification.
Lifestyle, Real Estate, and Investments
Luxury Homes
Judge Mathis has owned multiple properties in Los Angeles. Reports mention that he sold a Tarzana home for around $3.1 million and later purchased a Bel-Air mansion worth about $4 million.
Car Collection and Luxury Lifestyle
Although Mathis isn’t known for flaunting wealth, he reportedly owns several high-end vehicles and enjoys a comfortable, luxury lifestyle with his family.
Business Ventures
Besides television, Mathis has invested in small business ventures, production companies, and publishing projects.
Philanthropy and Charity Work
Judge Mathis founded the Mathis Community Center in Detroit. It provides mentorship, education, job training, and resources for youth and ex-offenders looking to rebuild their lives.
Social Causes and Activism
He actively supports causes like criminal justice reform, education access, and community empowerment — continuing to give back to the community that shaped him.
Comparison With Other TV Judges
Who Is the Richest TV Judge
Judge Mathis is among the most successful TV judges, but others surpass him financially. Here’s a quick comparison:
| TV Judge | Estimated Net Worth | Show Title |
|---|---|---|
| Judge Judy Sheindlin | $440 million | Judge Judy |
| Judge Marilyn Milian | $30 million | The People’s Court |
| Judge Joe Brown | $10 million | Judge Joe Brown |
| Judge Greg Mathis | $25 million | Judge Mathis / Mathis Court |
Earnings Difference
Judge Judy remains the richest TV judge with an enormous salary during her show’s prime. Still, Judge Mathis’ $25 million wealth places him comfortably among the top 5 courtroom show judges in TV history.
Popularity and Longevity
Few shows last as long as Judge Mathis, which aired for over two decades. Its success established Mathis as a household name in television law.
Judge Mathis vs Judge Milian
While Judge Marilyn Milian has a higher net worth ($30M), Mathis surpasses her in show longevity and impact within the African-American community.
Judge Joe Brown Net Worth Comparison
Judge Joe Brown has a reported net worth of around $10 million, which is less than half of Judge Mathis’ wealth — showing how long-term syndication and branding contribute to higher earnings.
Timeline of Judge Mathis’ Life and Career
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1960 | Born in Detroit, Michigan |
| 1987 | Completed Juris Doctor degree |
| 1995 | Elected Michigan District Judge |
| 1999 | Debuted “Judge Mathis” TV show |
| 2018 | Won Daytime Emmy Award |
| 2022 | Received Hollywood Walk of Fame Star |
| 2023 | Launched “Mathis Court with Judge Mathis” |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do guests get paid on Judge Mathis
Guests on the show reportedly received $150–$300 per appearance, plus travel and lodging expenses covered by production.
Who is Judge Mathis’ wife
Judge Mathis is married to Linda Reese Mathis, an educator and philanthropist who has been part of his life since college.
Is Judge Mathis’ son a real bailiff
Amir Mathis plays the role of bailiff on the show “Mathis Court,” but he isn’t a real court officer outside of television.
Who is the richest TV judge
The richest TV judge is Judy Sheindlin (Judge Judy), with an estimated net worth of around $440 million.
What is Judge Mathis’ salary per episode
His salary per episode isn’t officially disclosed, but industry estimates suggest his annual earnings were around $5 million during the peak of his show.
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Summary of Judge Mathis Net Worth
Judge Greg Mathis has built a legacy far beyond television. From overcoming hardship to earning millions, his story reflects determination, education, and resilience. With a net worth of approximately $25 million, he continues to inspire through his new show, philanthropy, and family life. Whether through the courtroom or community work, Judge Mathis Net Worth proves that success can be both meaningful and rewarding.

Alson Colleend is a passionate researcher and graduate writer who specializes in analyzing celebrity finances, career backgrounds, and net worth insights. As the author behind NetWorthBlessings, Alson delivers clear, well-researched articles designed to help readers understand the stories behind today’s public figures.