Sherry Magretti Hamilton, Esq

Background / Bio

Sherry Magretti Hamilton is a life-long resident of Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County. Following her graduation from Hempfield Area Senior High School, Sherry attended college locally at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. Sherry continued with her education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law obtaining her Juris Doctorate in 2003. While practicing law full-time, Sherry simultaneously attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and graduated with an MBA in December of 2006. Sherry previously worked in Pittsburgh as an attorney specializing in conflicts of interest and ethics law.

Prior to beginning her term as Westmoreland County’s Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court, Sherry served the public as the Chief Deputy in the office from June 2014 until the start of her term as Register in January 2016. Sherry is a former Hempfield Township Supervisor and a current adjunct instructor for Westmoreland County Community College.

As a member of the Westmoreland County Bar Association, Sherry has participated in Law Day presentations and was one of twelve Westmoreland attorneys asked to take part in the pilot Civics Education Program teaching civics and law related topics to area fifth graders.

Sherry serves on the Board of Directors for CASA of Westmoreland, Inc and the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce. 

Sherry currently resides in Hempfield Township with her husband and children.

Responsibilities

The Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court office processes the paperwork in order to facilitate the opening of a decedent’s estate as well matters before the Orphans’ Court. This office handles filings for estates, inheritance tax collection for the state, guardianships, adoptions and marriage licenses. The Register of Wills is a quasi-judicial position and can preside over hearings to determine who should be appointed as executor or administrator of an estate, if necessary.