---
title: "Richard A. Simons | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/richard-a-simons-massachusetts-probate-family-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-27"
---

# Richard A. Simons

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

- Richard Simons” may refer to two different judges: Richard D. Simons (1927–2022), Acting Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals from 1992–1993, and Richard A. Simons, First Justice of the Berkshire County Probate & Family Court in Massachusetts
- First Justice, Berkshire County Probate & Family Court (appointed 2008)
- Associate Judge, Court of Appeals (1983–1997)
- associate justice and circuit judge in the same court
- Former partner at Simons, Smith & Gerrard, P.C. Served on the Board of Bar Overseers

### Education



### Additional information

- Born in Niagara Falls, NY; died at age 95 in 2022
- Previously served on the New York Supreme Court (1963–1983)
- The name “Richard Simons” corresponds to two notable American judges: one a prominent New York Court of Appeals jurist and former Acting Chief Judge, and the other a Massachusetts Probate & Family Court First Justice



## 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.