- Shareholder
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"I focus my practice on helping people plan for the future. Even young people should start thinking about how they will support themselves in their retirement years, and everybody needs a basic estate plan, including a will, health care proxy and power of attorney. I am down to earth, and I pride myself on making difficult and complex issues easy to understand for my clients. I have a broad client base including a mix of ages, genders, ethnicities and sexual orientations."
Gina is a partner and a member of the estate planning and elder law department, whose practice includes sophisticated estate planning issues. Gina also has extensive experience in matters of guardianship, conservatorship, long-term care planning, estate/probate administration, and residential real estate.
Bar Admissions
- Massachusetts, 1999
- Connecticut
- U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts
Education
- Western New England University School of Law, Springfield, Massachusetts
- J.D. – 1999
- Honors: cum laude
- Law Review: Western New England Law Review, Articles Editor, 1998 – 1999
- Law Review: Western New England Law Review, Staff Member, 1997 – 1998
- Westfield State College, Westfield, Massachusetts
- B.A. – 1996
- Honors: magna cum laude
- Holyoke Community College
- A.A. – 1994
- Honors: With High Honors
Awards, Achievements & Appointments
- “Lawyer of the Year” for Springfield Elder Law, Best Lawyers, 2019
- Designated as 2015’s Woman of Influence by Women Business Owners Alliance
- Distinguished Alumni for 2015, Holyoke Community College
- Recipient, First Annual Visionary Achievement Award from Western Mass Women’s Magazine, 2014
- Recipient, SuperLawyers Massachusetts and New England Award, 2013-2019
- Recipient, SuperLawyers Massachusetts and New England Rising Star Award, 2006-2008, 2010-2012
- Designated as one of the Top Five Business Women in Western Mass, Western Mass Women’s Magazine, 2010
- Recipient, 40 Under Forty award, BusinessWest, 2009
Professional Associations and Memberships
- President and Founder, The Joy of Jasper Horse Sanctuary
- Director, National Association of Elder Law Attorneys, 2018-Present
- President, Estate Planning Council, 2013-2014
- Member, Western Massachusetts Elder Care Professionals Steering Committee
Just two documents: These tools help smooth crucial decisions
Prime, May, 2021
The IDIOT Trust: A tool to protect assets from nursing home costs
Prime, April, 2021
Collector’s Primer: planning for the continuation of your cache
Prime, March, 2021
The family business: Ensuring a smooth transition when it’s time
Prime, February, 2021
Reviewing your estate plan: It’s a New Year’s resolution that’s easy to keep
Prime, January, 2021
Year-end tax planning: COVID-19 has tweaked some approaches
Prime, December, 2020
The special needs trust: Why it’s important to plan ahead
Prime, November, 2020
Charitable giving: You can still do good in a time of uncertainty
Prime, October, 2020
Will vs. Trust: Deciding which is right for your estate
Prime, September, 2020
Good grief: Plan now to lessen the burden on loved ones
Prime, August, 2020
Staying at home: Considerations for elders and their caregivers
Prime, July, 2020
Caregiver stress: Could this become the next epidemic?
Prime, June, 2020
A Pandemic Estate Plan
BusinessWest, April 13, 2020
For the love of your partner include these documents in your estate
Prime, February 1, 2020
Your estate plan: January’s a great time for an annual review
Prime, January 1, 2020
Holiday season tax planning: Make the time to consider your options
Prime, December 1, 2019
Long term care: Strategies to plan for the costs
Prime, November 1, 2019
Givers Gain: Use charitable giving to your advantage
Prime, October, 2019
Estate planning myths: know the facts to avoid these pitfalls
Prime, September, 2019
Are you a collector? Make a plan now to provide for its future
Prime, August, 2019
The Homestead Declaration: Simple protection for your most valuable asset
Prime, July, 2019
Keeping the Court Out of Your Decisions
Prime, June 1, 2019
Creating an estate plan for a beloved pet
Prime, May 1, 2019
Women—plan for financial independence
Prime, April 1, 2019
Ethical wills—bequeathing life’s lessons
Prime, March 1, 2019
The reverse mortgage—is it for you?
Prime, February 1, 2019
Resolve to review your estate plan
Prime, January 1, 2019
It’s Not Too Late to Make a Tax Plan
Prime, December 1, 2018
Your Estate: Do You Need A Trust?
Prime, November 1, 2018
Digital Assets and Your Estate Plan
Prime, October 1, 2018
When Your Child is Also Your Caregiver
Prime, September 1, 2018
Helping the Grandkids with College Costs
Prime, August 1, 2018
Put Estate Planning on Your Travel Checklist
Prime, July 1, 2018
Caregiver Stress—the Next Epidemic?
Prime, June 1, 2018
Giving Them the Business? Make a Plan
Prime, May 1, 2018
Special Needs Require Special Planning
Prime, April 1, 2018
Caring long distance—a practical checklist
Prime, March 1, 2018
For the love of your partner, plan now
Prime, February 1, 2018
Resolve to review your estate plan
Prime, January 1, 2018
It’s not too late to slash your tax bill
Prime, December 1, 2017
Givers gain – charity and your taxes
Prime, November 1, 2017
The Life Estate Deed – one home protection option
Prime, October 1, 2017
The truth about the ‘gift tax’
Prime, September 1, 2017
Four steps to choosing an attorney
Prime, August 1, 2017
Estate plans—don’t leave home without one
Prime, July 1, 2017
Don’t Let Care Costs Deplete Your Estate
Prime, June 1, 2017
Make “Good Grief” Your Final Gift to Family, Friends
Prime, May 1, 2017
Elder Abuse—Could you spot the signs?
Prime, April 1, 2017
Estate Planning Myths Explained
Prime, March 1, 2017
Wills vs. Trusts—which is right for you?
Prime, February 1, 2017
You’re Just Four Documents From an Estate Plan
Prime, January 1, 2017
Year-end Tax Planning—It’s Not too Late
Prime, December 1, 2016
Aging in Place—Advice for Elders & Caregivers
Prime, November 1, 2016
You Can’t Take it with You: Charity & Your Estate
Prime, October 1, 2016
Ethical Wills—Bequeathing Life’s Lessons
Prime, September 1, 2016
Moving Forward with a Reverse Mortgage
Prime, August 1, 2016
Plan Your Estate Before Your Escape
Prim, July 1, 2016
You can’t take it with you – charity and your estate
Prime, June 1, 2015
Keeping the court out of your personal decisions
Prime, May 1, 2015
Why every woman needs an estate plan
Prime, April 1, 2015
Protecting Assets from Nursing Home Costs
Prime, February 1, 2015
Resolve Now to Review Your Estate Plan in 2015
Prime, January 1, 2015
Year End Tax Planning – It’s Not Too Late
Prime, December 1, 2014
Recognizing Elder Abuse
Prime, November 1, 2014
A Will or a Trust – Which Estate Plan is Right For You?
Prime, October 1, 2014
Taking the Guesswork Out of Choosing an Attorney
Prime, July 1, 2014
Protecting Assets from Nursing Home Costs with an Irrevocable Trust
Prime, June 1, 2014
The Life Estate Deed – one option for protecting your home
Prime, April 1, 2014
Good Grief
Prime, March 1, 2014
For the Love of Your Partner . . . Plan Now
Prime, February 1, 2014
‘Tis the Season . . . to Review Your Estate Plan: A New Year’s Resolution That’s Easy to Keep
Prime, January 1, 2014
Year End Tax Planning – It’s Not Too Late
Prime, December 1, 2013
Things to Know When Your Child is Also Your Caregiver
Prime, November 1, 2013
Estate Tax Update
Prime , October 1, 2013
Planning for Incapacity: Take Steps Now to Keep the Court out of Your Personal Decisions
BusinessWest, September 23, 2013
An Estate Plan is Only Four Documents Away
Prime, September 1, 2013
Same Sex Married Couples Now Enjoy Same Rights Under Federal Law
Prime, August 1, 2013
Estate Planning Myths Explained
Prime, July 1, 2013
Considerations for Collectors
Prime, June 1, 2013
Special Needs Require Special Planning
Prime, May 1, 2013
You Can’t Take it With You: Consider Charity in Your Final Plans
Prime, April 1, 2013
Organizing Your Estate Plan
Prime, March 1, 2013
Regional Law Firm Attorneys Honored as 2012 SuperLawyers & Rising Stars
February 21, 2013
Moving Forward with a Reverse Mortgage
Prime, February 1, 2013
Estate-planning Myths Explained – To Avoid Problems, Separate Facts from Assumptions
Healthcare News, January 1, 2013
‘Tis the Season . . . to Review Your Estate Plan: A New Year’s Resolution That’s Easy to Keep
Prime, January 1, 2013
Uncle Sam is Coming to Dinner – Act Now for Year-End Tax Planning
Prime, December 1, 2012
Caregiver Stress – The Next Epidemic?
Prime, November 1, 2012
Keeping the Court Out of Your Personal Decisions
Prime, October 1, 2012
Good Grief! – How to Properly Prepare Your Family to Handle Your Death
Healthcare News, September 1, 2012
Protecting Assets from Nursing Home Costs
Prime , September 1, 2012
Vacation? Establish an Estate Plan Before Your Trip
Live Well, Daily Hampshire Gazette, August 15, 2012
Where There’s a Will, There’s an Heir
Prime, August 1, 2012
Wills vs. Trusts – Which is Right for You?
Prime, July 1, 2012
Is an IDIOT Trust Ever a Smart Choice?
Prime, June 1, 2012
Ethical Wills Document Allows You to Bequeath More than Material Possessions
Healthcare News, May 1, 2012
Staying at Home – Considerations for Elders and Their Caregivers
Prime , May 1, 2012
Establish an Estate Plan Before Your Trip
Prime, April 1, 2012
The Life Estate Deed – One Option for Protecting Your Home
Prime , March 1, 2012
For the Love of Your Partner . . . Plan Now
Prime , February 1, 2012
Uniform Probate Code Revisited And Why You Should Still Avoid It Whenever Possible
Healthcare News, January 1, 2012
‘Tis the Season . . . to Review Your Estate Plan: A New Year’s Resolution That’s Easy to Keep
Prime, January 1, 2012
Navigating the Minefield of Long Distance Caregiving
Westfield Evening News, December 29, 2011
Year End Planning – It’s Not Too Late . . . Yet
Prime, December 1, 2011
Taking the Guesswork out of Choosing an Attorney
Prime, November 1, 2011
Things to Know When Your Child is Also Your Caregiver
Prime, October 1, 2011
The Impact of Grief on Your Estate Plan
Prime, September 1, 2011
Special Needs Require Special Planning
Prime, August 1, 2011
Estate Planning Concerns for Women
Prime, May 1, 2011
Issues of Time and Space: Navigating the Minefield of Long-distance Caregiving
Healthcare News, May 1, 2011
Organizing Your Estate Plan
Prime, April 22, 2011
Estate Tax Update
Prime, March 1, 2011
Pet Trusts Arrive in Massachusetts
Prime, February 1, 2011
Estate Planning Checkup
Prime, January 1, 2011
Plan Now to Avoid Paying Nursing Home Costs
Prime, December 1, 2010
Avoiding Caregiver Stress
Prime, November 1, 2010
Ethical Wills: Bequeathing Life’s Lessons, Dreams, and Hopes
BusinessWest, October 11, 2010
Plan Now to Protect Your Pets Later
Prime, October 1, 2010
Estate Planning Myths Explained
Prime, September 1, 2010
You Can’t Take it With You . . . Consider Charity in Your Final Plans
Prime, August 1, 2010
Consider the Basics Before Contesting a Will
Prime, July 1, 2010
Caregiver Stress: It’s Real, and Its Impact Can Be Severe; How to Avoid the Epidemic
BusinessWest, June 7, 2010
Do You Need a Trust?
Prime, June 1, 2010
Considerations for Collectors
Prime, May 1, 2010
Establish an Estate Plan Before Your Trip
Prime, April 1, 2010
The Truth About Gift Tax
Prime, March 1, 2010
For the Love of Your Partner . . . Plan Now
Prime, February 1, 2010
A Whole New World – Navigating the Uniform Probate Code
Healthcare News, January 1, 2010
Nine Bacon Wilson Attorneys Selected as 2015 Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
October 19, 2015
Bacon Wilson, P.C. Attorneys Honored as 2014 Super Lawyers & Rising Stars
October 23, 2014
Regional Law Firm Attorneys Honored as 2013 SuperLawyers & Rising Stars
October 30, 2013
Regional Law Firm Attorneys Honored as 2011 SuperLawyers & Rising Stars
December 9, 2011
Regional Law Firm Attorneys Honored as 2010 SuperLawyers & Rising Stars
December 17, 2010
Gina M. Barry – BusinessWest 40 Under Forty Honoree
BusinessWest, April 27, 2009
Local Lawyers Recognized as 2008 SuperLawyers & Rising Stars
November 21, 2008
Regional Law Firm Announces New Partners
January 18, 2008
The Write Stuff – Where There’s a Will, There’s a Right Way to Approach the Document
BusinessWest, January 3, 2008
8 SuperLawyers Rising Stars Among Regional Law Firm
April 20, 2007
SuperLawyers Rising Stars Among Local Law Firm
May 1, 2006
Gina Barry – Estate Planning Specialist Blends Law with a Passion for Animals
BusinessWest, October 20, 2005
Attorney Gina M. Barry: Woman in Business
Valley Business Outlook, September 29, 2005
Attorney Honored as “Woman of the Year”
June 17, 2005
Attorney Earns MA Lawyers Weekly Distinction
September 21, 2004
Estate planning with a special needs beneficiary
August 25, 2011
Special needs benefits: keeping them when receiving an inheritance or settlement
August 10, 2011
What to do when your spouse is admitted to a nursing home
July 13, 2011
Pet Trusts Now Legal In MA
June 20, 2011
How to Avoid Guardianship & Conservatorship
June 4, 2010
Pet Estate Planning – Ensuring continued care for your non-human loved ones
June 1, 2010
Will, Health Care Proxy, Durable Power of Attorney, & Homestead Declaration
May 24, 2010
Seminar: The Probate Process From Start to Finish October 28, 2013
Seminar: Estate planning questions and answers October 21, 2013
Seminar: Taking Control of Your Future: A Legal Checkup May 18, 2011
Seminar: The Importance of Designating a Health Care Proxy Before You Need it May 4, 2011
Seminar: Estate Planning Basics July 29, 2010
Seminar: Paralegal Course: The UPC in Action – The Guardianship and Conservatorship Process & Preview of the 2011 Probate Changes June 17, 2010
Seminar: Pet Estate Planning February 4, 2010
Seminar: Demystifying the Emerging Treatment & Law of Eldercare December 9, 2009
Seminar: Staying in Control: Understanding Massachusetts’ New Guardianship Laws November 16, 2009
Seminar: When It’s All Going to the Dogs: A Primer on the Emerging Trend of Pet Trusts and Estate Planning November 15, 2009
Seminar: Drafting the Simple Will November 10, 2009
Contributor: Estate Planning Bits
Quoted: And to My Dear Woofy… Estate Planning, Bank Investment Consultant , July 2008
Guest on NPR discussing Leona Helmsley’s $12M bequest to her dog, August 29, 2007
Speaker: Liberty Under Law: Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy, Central High School, May 2007
Lecturer: The A-Z’s Of Real Property Issues, Suffolk University Law School, March 2007
Guest: WWLP TV Senior Showcase, 11/03
Court-Certified GAL Training for Category D Matters, MCLE, November 2002
Author: ‘Tis the Season…To Review Your Estate Plan, Prime Times, March 2002
Author: Homestead Exemption Update: WP Channels, August 2001
Author: United States v. Kirby: The Case for Appellate Review of Grants of Bail by District Court Judges in International Extradition Cases, 21 W. New Eng. L. Rev. 565 (1999)