Sean Penn and Leila George in January 2020.Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty

Sean Pennand Leila George have taken the unusual step of retaining a private judge in their divorce.
As part of the agreement, Penn will pay to retain the private judge’s services, including Gordon’s $950 hourly rate and additional fees.
Having a temporary judge preside over your case is possible in California as it was set up to help the state deal with its backlogged courts. This means it will allow the couple to expedite their divorce through backlogged courts, as Gordon serves as an extension of the court.
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

Penn and Georgehave been spotted togetheron multiple occasions since shefiled for divorcein October, following more than a year of marriage. Most recently, they were seencelebrating New Year’s Eve togetherin her native Sydney.
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“We did a COVID wedding,” Penn said onLate Night with Seth Meyers. “By that I mean it was a county commissioner on Zoom and we were at the house, my two children and her brother. And we did it that way.”
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A source told PEOPLE that Penn and Georgereunited earlier that yearafter their relationship was on and off for a while. They strengthened their bond while isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic, for which they alsovolunteered together.
Penn was previously married toRobin Wright, 55, with whom he shares daughterDylan, 30, and sonHopper, 28.
source: people.com