“My clients can count on me to be both a strong advocate and a steady presence, protecting their interests and guiding them through life's most challenging transitions. ”
Melissa 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 across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Her practice spans a broad range of probate, Orphans’ Court, and general equity matters, including will contests, breach-of-fiduciary-duty claims, accountings, trust modifications, contested administrations, guardianships, cy pres matters, pre-death litigation, and matters involving the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) and the Slayer Statute.
Melissa understands that fiduciary litigation is often about far more than money. Many clients seek her counsel during some of life’s most challenging moments, after the loss of a loved one, amid family conflict, or while protecting a vulnerable family member. She combines strategic advocacy with a compassionate, steady approach, helping clients navigate emotionally charged disputes while safeguarding their interests.
Known for her practical, client-focused style, Melissa takes the time to understand each client’s goals and concerns before developing a tailored strategy. Whether pursuing a negotiated amicable resolution or litigating aggressively when necessary, she provides clear guidance throughout the process and works to achieve efficient, favorable outcomes.
In her free time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and their Goldendoodle, Wilbur, in Haddonfield, New Jersey. She can often be found at her children’s soccer games, T-ball fields, and dance competitions, or skiing and boating with her family. A passionate traveler, she loves exploring new cultures and cuisines, with favorite destinations including Botswana and Sicily. She enjoys unwinding with a good mystery book by the lake in Vermont or on the Jersey shore.
Melissa has experience representing individuals, fiduciaries, financial institutions, universities, and charitable organizations in a wide range of estate, trust, and guardianship disputes. Some of her representative matters include:
- Successfully obtained dismissal of a will challenge on the return date on behalf of an executor.
- Survived a Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction in a multi-State contested guardianship.
- Handled the termination of several uneconomical charitable trusts for a corporate trustee.
- Defended an agent under a power of attorney in Orphans’ Court.
- Represented a University in several successful applications to modify scholarships and prize funds under UPMIFA.
- Obtained countless settlements on behalf of individuals and institutions regarding disputes as to fiduciary compensation, fiduciary removal actions, and will and trust disputes.
Melissa is a Fellow of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) and serves on its Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Committee, Fiduciary Litigation Committee, and Professional Responsibility Committee.
She is also an active member of the American Bar Association’s Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law, where she serves as Co-Chair of the Professional Responsibility Committee.
In addition, Melissa serves on the Board of Trustees of Samaritan.
She is a frequent speaker on estate and trust litigation topics and has authored articles on the doctrine of writings intended as wills and the Uniform Trust Code.
Due to her time at Bryn Mawr, and the lifelong relationships built there, Melissa has an enduring commitment to women’s education and the advancement of women’s leadership.
