---
title: "Mary Black | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/mary-black-massachusetts-probate-family-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-27"
---

# Mary Black

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

- Mary Randolph Black was nominated as an Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court in Massachusetts, filling the position vacated by The Honorable Peter DiGangi in 2016, and her appointment was confirmed in 2017 by Governor Charlie Baker.

### Education

- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from New England School of Law in 1985 and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from an undergraduate institution.

### Additional information

- Notable cases include ADOPTION OF WREN, COLBY L. SCHULMAN & another vs.
- KRISTOPHER W. SCHULZ, and WILLIAM DONOGHUE vs.
- Since her appointment, Judge Black has presided over a variety of cases, including custody disputes and adoption proceedings.
- ELISE SINAGRA, reflecting her active role in family law adjudication.
- Prior to her judicial appointment, she built a career in legal practice, gaining experience in areas relevant to family and probate law
- Recognized for her expertise in probate and family law, and her professional profile highlights her contributions to the legal field through her judicial decisions and participation in the Massachusetts judicial system.



## 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.