Fort Wayne attorney named new Allen Superior magistrate

IL Staff for www.theindianalawyer.com

A private practice attorney and former Indiana Department of Child Services attorney has been chosen as magistrate judge in Allen Superior Court Family Relations Division.

Sherry A. Hartzler, 39, will replace Thomas P. Boyer, who was named magistrate judge of the Allen Superior Court Small Claims Division in March.

Hartzler currently practices with Van Gilder & Trzynka. She previously served as chief legal counsel for DCS in Allen County. The bulk of her caseload as magistrate will be domestic relations cases.

“Sherry brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to a job that will demand both from her first day on the bench,” said Allen Superior Judge Charles F. Pratt. “This division hears complex cases that impact families and children in matters arising from divorce, adoption, and child maltreatment. Sherry has a background and has gained the respect of practicing attorneys in each of these distinct areas of family law. She will be a tremendous asset not only to the court, but to the families we serve.”

Hartzler is a 2002 graduate of Valparaiso University Law School. Her first day as magistrate is yet to be determined.