Divorce Court

The current version of "Divorce Court" is markedly different from its predecessors. For instance, real couples - who had previously filed for divorce - argue their cases before the court; one to two cases were presented each day. Most cases involved betrayal, infidelity and trust-related issues. After both sides had presented their arguments, Judge Mablean Ephriam presented her findings. Her decision includes finding in favor of one of the litigants (or, more often than not, declaring a joint decree); and resolving issues such as alimony and asset division. Ephriam’s decisions are legally-binding. As such, the modern version of "Divorce Court" is essentially a form of arbitration. In some instances the judge may withhold a decision to give the couple ample time to consider a reconciliation. Occasionally the show may revisit an episode where time to explore reconciliation was offered to determine if the delay remedied or worsened the marriage. The show has been renewed for an eighth season, however, Ephriam and Twentieth Television were unable to come to terms on a contract extension. Lynn Toler, a former judge in Cleveland Heights, Ohio and host of "Power Of Attorney" took over in 2006.