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

Mendez Solis, Carolina N vs. Solis Nolasco, Sonia

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

1 File

Filed

May 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

May 13, 2024

Tighe, James D vs. Tighe, Gail P

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

1 File

Filed

May 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

May 13, 2024

Garcia Ramirez, Alex G vs. Garcia Chilel, Gilberto

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

Filed

May 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

May 13, 2024

Contreras Borjas, Denilson Alberto vs. Contreras Zaldivar, Felix Alberto

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

1 File

Filed

May 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

May 13, 2024

Lopez Hernandez, Galindo vs. Lopez Hernandez, Victor

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

1 File

Filed

May 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

May 13, 2024

De Leon Macario, Vilder Rodemiro vs. Macario Chun, Miguelina Epifania

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

1 File

Filed

May 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

May 13, 2024

Macario de Leon, Karla F vs. Macario Lopez, Arnoldo I

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

1 File

Filed

May 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

May 13, 2024

In the matter of: Sewall, Brian

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

1 File

Filed

May 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

May 13, 2024

Alarcon Duarte, Daniel A vs. Duarte Jimenez, Arminda E

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

1 File

Filed

May 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

May 13, 2024

Lopez Gomez, Luisa F vs. Gomez Lopez, Gloria R

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

1 File

Filed

May 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

May 13, 2024

Mendez Mendez, Nelson H vs. Mendez Mendez, Rolando

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

1 File

Filed

May 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

May 13, 2024

Guerrero Lorenzo, Daritza D. vs. Jimenez Fernandez, Nicholas D.

On May 8, 2024 a custody/support/parenting time case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

1 File

Filed

May 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

Custody/Support/Parenting Time

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Paternity

Case Last Refreshed

May 10, 2024

In the matter of: Ouellette, Lorraine E

On May 8, 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.

14 Files

Filed

May 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

Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

May 10, 2024

In the matter of: Olsen, James G.

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

9 Files

Filed

May 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 Appointment of Personal Representative

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

May 10, 2024

In the matter of: Gray, John

On May 8, 2024 a guardianship of incapacitated case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

1 File

Filed

May 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

Guardianship of Incapacitated

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

May 10, 2024

In the matter of: Mylyk, Gloria A.

On May 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.

10 Files

Filed

May 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

May 10, 2024

In the matter of: Byrne, Marianne C.

On May 8, 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.

9 Files

Filed

May 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

Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

May 10, 2024

Rosa, Brittany vs. Torname, John

On May 8, 2024 a modify foreign decree case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

1 File

Filed

May 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

Modify foreign decree

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Paternity

Case Last Refreshed

May 10, 2024

In the matter of: Fauth, Janet Frances

On May 7, 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.

11 Files

Filed

May 07, 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

May 08, 2024

In the matter of: Sheldon, Diane Jean

On May 7, 2024 a voluntary statement case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

1 File

Filed

May 07, 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

May 08, 2024

In the matter of: Whitehead, Kathleen Feldhausen

On May 7, 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

May 07, 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

May 08, 2024

In the matter of: Rabitski, Natalie

On May 7, 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

May 07, 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

May 08, 2024

In the matter of: Poley, Cheryl Ann

On May 7, 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.

8 Files

Filed

May 07, 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

May 08, 2024

White, Hunter D vs. Harwood, Abby-May

On May 7, 2024 a custody/support/parenting time case was filed in the jurisdiction of Essex County. Judge Black, Hon. Mary presiding.

1 File

Filed

May 07, 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

Custody/Support/Parenting Time

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Paternity

Case Last Refreshed

May 08, 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