Name change in Middlesex County Ma?

[jenaflynn.livejournal.com]

Hiya. I'm scheduled to go before a judge at the Middlesex county Fam/Probate (Massachusetts) court this coming week. Per one of my friends in the same county, when she did that, she didn't have to go before a judge.. Is this a newer thing, or something that they just randomly for name changes? Anyone does this in the same county, and what was your experience?

Thanks!