Florida judge who heard Smith case quits

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 19 (UPI) -- Florida Judge Larry Seidlin who oversaw the Anna Nicole Smith body custody case, announced that he will retire at the end of July.

The Broward County Circuit Judge, who was referred to as "Judge Judy's wacky little brother" by CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin, announced his retirement in a letter to Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, CNN reported.

"As a judge, I have been deeply touched by the thousands of children and families in crisis who have come before me to share their struggles," read the letter.

"I hope that by working together, we have made a positive difference in their lives," Seidlin added. "I consider myself among the most fortunate people on Earth."

The letter, which was made public Tuesday, continued: "Nevertheless, it is now time for me to devote more of my daily life to my own young family and to pursue the many opportunities that have been offered to me outside the judicial system, and I have disregarded until now."