Samaritan to Host Free Will, Tax & Estate Planning Workshops This September

Creating and updating a will is one of the most important steps individuals can take to protect their loved ones and ensure their wishes are honored. Yet more than half of American adults do not have a will, leaving important decisions about their assets, loved ones and legacy to the courts. 

To help individuals navigate the estate planning process, Samaritan will host two free Will, Tax & Estate Planning Workshops this September. Whether participants are creating their first will, updating an existing estate plan after a major life event or simply have questions about wills, trusts or taxes, the workshops will provide practical guidance from experienced local estate planning attorneys in a welcoming environment.

Participants may choose from one of two sessions:

• In-person Workshop – Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at The Samaritan Center at Voorhees (265 S. Route 73, Voorhees, NJ 08043)
• Virtual Workshop – Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

“Creating or updating a will is one of the most meaningful ways to protect the people and causes you care about,” said Chris Rollins, chief development officer at Samaritan. “Our Will, Tax & Estate Planning Workshops are designed to make estate planning less intimidating by provided trusted guidance from knowledgeable local attorneys. Whether you’re just getting started or revisiting an existing plan, you’ll leave with the confidence to help you make decisions to create a lasting legacy.”

The workshops are hosted by Samaritan’s Planned Giving Committee, comprised of some of the region’s leading financial advisors who volunteer their time and expertise to raise awareness about the potential advantages of charitable estate planning. This year’s panelists include:

• Melissa Osorio Dibble, Esq., Partner, Obermayer – A graduate of Rutgers University School of Law-Camden, Melissa serves as a partner at Obermayer and chairs Obermayer’s Trusts and Estates practice group. She is a fiduciary litigator representing individuals, financial institutions, universities, charities, fiduciaries and beneficiaries in complex estate, trust and guardianship disputes. She is a member of Samaritan’s Planned Giving Committee and serves on Samaritan’s Board of Trustees.
• Rachel Shaffer Gersie, Esq., Attorney, Fendrick Morgan Law – A graduate of Drexel University School of Law, Rachel joined Fendrick Morgan in 2013 and is a member of the Estate & Financial Planning Council of Southern Jersey. She concentrates her practice in a wide array of estate planning, estate administration, and elder law matters for New Jersey and Pennsylvania clients. She is a member of Samaritan’s Planned Giving Committee.
• Timothy J. Rice, Esq., Managing Partner, Timothy Rice Estate and Elder Law Firm – A graduate of Villanova Law School and Northwestern University, Timothy Rice Estate and Elder Law (TREEL) Founder and Managing Partner Timothy J. Rice provides peace of mind and security for clients during some of their most vulnerable moments. For more than 30 years, Tim has crafted personalized legal solutions that honor each client’s unique wishes and circumstances, ensuring their legacy and assets are protected. With a compassionate and client-centered approach, Tim prioritizes building trust and understanding, offering guidance and support every step of the way. He is a member of Samaritan’s Planned Giving Committee.

Registration for both the in-person and virtual workshop is required. Those interested in participating can register online at SamaritanNJ.org/Will-Workshop or by contacting Chris Rollins at (856) 552-3205 or CRollins@SamaritanNJ.org. More information about the event is also available at SamaritanNJ.org/Will-Workshop.

About Samaritan:

Samaritan is a not-for-profit, independent organization locally founded in Moorestown, New Jersey in 1980 as one of the first hospices in the country. Samaritan is now one of the State’s leading providers of palliative medicine, hospice care, social connections, grief support, advanced illness care, education and advocacy. Samaritan serves patients and families in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties who are coping with the stresses of aging, serious illness or grief wherever they call home. Samaritan also has two dedicated inpatient hospice centers in Voorhees and Mount Holly. Beyond the services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance plans, Samaritan annually provides nearly $1M in donor-funded non-reimbursed care for patients and families in the South Jersey region. A thrift shop in Westmont also supports Samaritan services and programs. Samaritan is accredited by The Joint Commission; a member of the National Partnership for Hospice Innovation; and is a four-star hospice in the national We Honor Veterans program. For more information, visit www.SamaritanNJ.org.