Judge Mary Rudolph Black - Professional Background & Legal Expertise

Biography

The Hon. Mary Rudolph Black is an associate justice for the Essex County Probate and Family Court in Massachusetts. She was appointed to the bench by Governor Charlie Baker on March 1, 2017, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Peter C. DiGangi.

Black earned a bachelor’s degree in government from Colby College in 1982. She then completed a J.D. at New England Law in 1985.

After graduating from law school, Black entered into private practice. She started as an associate at Porter & Coakley in Gloucester, specializing in contested domestic relations, real estate, and probate matters. She then opened her own private practice as a sole practitioner in 1991, litigating extensively in juvenile, family, and probate matters.

In 1994, Black became a partner at Black & Pontisakos. She worked in that capacity until 1997, at which time she returned to her own private practice as a sole practitioner. She spent the remainder of her legal career focusing on domestic relations, guardianship, conservatorship, and estate matters.

Her memberships have included the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Essex County Bar Association. She also sat on the Gloucester Planning Board.

Black was born and raised in Gloucester, Massachusetts. She is the daughter of a Gloucester public school teacher and a Gloucester firefighter. Her father also worked as a longshoreman on the fishing docks. When not presiding over legal matters, Black enjoys singing.

Recent Cases by Hon. Mary Rudolph Black

In the matter of: Shumaker, Geraldine G

On April 10, 2024 an informal appointment of personal representative case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

7 Files

Filed

Apr 10, 2024

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Informal Appointment of Personal Representative

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 12, 2024

In the matter of: Mitchell, Christopher A.

On April 10, 2024 an informal probate of will with appointment of personal representative case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

12 Files

Filed

Apr 10, 2024

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Informal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 11, 2024

Roman, Rocio Y. and Roman Baez, Edgar Jose

On April 10, 2024 a joint petition case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 10, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Joint Petition

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 12, 2024

Mastin, Elizabeth vs. Mastin, Sean

On April 10, 2024 a divorce 1b case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

1 File

Filed

Apr 10, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Divorce 1B

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 12, 2024

In the matter of: Cummings, Roger John

On April 9, 2024 a formal probate of will with appointment of personal representative case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 10, 2024

In the matter of: Wheeler, Mary G

On April 9, 2024 an informal probate of will with appointment of personal representative case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2024

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Informal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 10, 2024

Quijada, Wilfredo and Castaneda, Leydi Yulissa

On April 9, 2024 a joint petition case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Joint Petition

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 10, 2024

In the matter of: Hegarty, Paul Edward

On April 9, 2024 a filing of will of deceased no petition case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2024

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Filing of will of deceased no petition

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 10, 2024

In the matter of: Tabrizi, Hamid R

On April 9, 2024 a formal adjudication of intestacy and appointment of personal representative case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 10, 2024

In the matter of: Desir, Achney Ceby

On April 9, 2024 a guardianship of minor case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Guardianship of Minor

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 10, 2024

Silva, Amanda vs. Silva, Jeffrey

On April 9, 2024 a divorce 1b case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Divorce 1B

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 10, 2024

In the matter of: Egziabher, Abraham

On April 9, 2024 a conservatorship case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Conservatorship

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 10, 2024

In the matter of: Viator, Jr., Eugene J

On April 9, 2024 an informal appointment of personal representative case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2024

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Informal Appointment of Personal Representative

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 10, 2024

In the matter of: Egziabher, Abraham

On April 9, 2024 a guardianship of incapacitated case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Guardianship of Incapacitated

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 10, 2024

Bonilla Bonilla, Douglas A vs. Pineda Valle, Douglas A

On April 9, 2024 special immigrant juvenile status case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 10, 2024

In the matter of: Jette, Trey

On April 9, 2024 a guardianship of minor case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Guardianship of Minor

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 10, 2024

Chheng, Darachan and Bo, Viseth

On April 9, 2024 a joint petition case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Joint Petition

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 10, 2024

In the matter of: Enscoe-Bruno, Darlene Marie

On April 9, 2024 a formal adjudication of intestacy and appointment of personal representative case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 10, 2024

In the matter of: Jackson, Richard C.

On April 9, 2024 a formal adjudication of intestacy and appointment of personal representative case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 09, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 10, 2024

In the matter of: Butler, Michael Douglas

On April 8, 2024 an informal probate of will with appointment of personal representative case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

8 Files

Filed

Apr 08, 2024

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Informal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 09, 2024

Frias Chavez, Diana Isabel and Garcia Dos Santos, Rafael Brendolly

On April 8, 2024 a joint petition case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 08, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Joint Petition

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 09, 2024

Polanco Guzman, Yohanna Elizabeth and Martinez Nunez, Eric Daniel

On April 8, 2024 a joint petition case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

Filed

Apr 08, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Joint Petition

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 09, 2024

In the matter of: Wales, Patience B

On April 8, 2024 a voluntary statement case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

2 Files

Filed

Apr 08, 2024

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Voluntary Statement

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 09, 2024

In the matter of: Rafter, Jr., Edward M

On April 8, 2024 a filing of will of deceased no petition case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

1 File

Filed

Apr 08, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Black, Hon. Mary 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Black, Hon. Mary

Court

Essex County Probate and Family Court

County

Essex County, MA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Filing of will of deceased no petition

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 09, 2024

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About

Mary Rudolph Black
Current Appointment Essex County Probate & Family Court	Essex County Probate & Family Court
Education B.A., Colby College - 1982 J.D., New England Law - 1985	B.A., Colby College - 1982 J.D., New England Law - 1985

Documents related to Mary Rudolph Black

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	MA - Essex County Probate & Family Court
Clerk phone:	+1 (978) 744-1020

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Associate	Porter & Coakley	Essex County, Massachusetts
Sole Practitioner	Private Practice	Essex County, Massachusetts
Partner	Black & Pontisakos	Essex County, Massachusetts
Sole Practitioner	Private Practice	Essex County, Massachusetts
Associate Justice	Massachusetts Probate & Family Court	Essex County, Massachusetts