---
title: "Jennifer Melia | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/jennifer-melia-massachusetts-probate-family-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-27"
---

# Jennifer Melia

Massachusetts Probate and Family Court · Justice

## Profile

- Court: Massachusetts Probate and Family Court
- State: Massachusetts
- Role: Justice
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-27

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### recording and photography

Scope: statewide

In Massachusetts courts, photography, recording, or electronic transmission in a courtroom or related judicial space requires prior authorization from the judge or magistrate supervising that place, subject to Rule 1:19's separate provisions for registered news media.

Evidence excerpt: No person shall take any photographs, or make any recording or transmission by electronic means, in any courtroom, hearing room, office, chambers or lobby of a judge or magistrate without prior authorization

[Supreme Judicial Court Rule 1:19: Electronic access to the courts](https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/supreme-judicial-court-rule-119-electronic-access-to-the-courts)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/probate-and-family-court-justices)
- [Official roster](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/probate-and-family-court-justices)
- [Massachusetts Trial Court official judicial roster](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/probate-and-family-court-justices)
- [Supreme Judicial Court Rule 1:19: Electronic access to the courts](https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/supreme-judicial-court-rule-119-electronic-access-to-the-courts)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Associate Justice of the Worcester County Probate and Family Court in Massachusetts, appointed by Governor Charlie Baker on November 14, 2018
- 1996–2007: Probation Officer, Worcester County Probate & Family Court

### Education

- M.A. in Criminal Justice, Anna Maria College (1999)
- in Psychology, University of Connecticut — B.A. (1992)

### Additional information

- Governor Baker’s 2018 nomination highlighted her “significant experience and dedication in family law” and her track record in both legal and social service roles
- 2007–2018: Solo practitioner in family law and probate matters
- 1992–1996: Social Worker and Investigator, Department of Children and Families (Fitchburg & Framingham), investigating abuse and neglect
- President of the Northbridge Middle School Booster Club
- Judge Melia serves on the Worcester County Probate & Family Court, which handles matters such as divorce, child support, parental rights, guardianship, conservatorship, wills, and estates
- representing over 650 clients in adoption, alimony, child support, divorce, guardianship, inheritance, paternity, and related cases; appointed Guardian Ad Litem in over 200 cases



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Supreme Judicial Court Rule 1:19: Electronic access to the courts](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-20acbd9da185f40e1f10b2b2) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.mass.gov/supreme-judicial-court-rules/supreme-judicial-court-rule-119-electronic-access-to-the-courts). Collected 2026-07-26.