Barry joined The Van Winkle Law Firm in 1973 and practices in the area of estate planning and probate law. His clients take comfort in his experience in crafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney and other documents in a way that accomplishes their personal vision for the protection, growth and security of their family.

Prior to joining Van Winkle, Barry served as trust officer of Wachovia Bank. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and a member and former Council Member of the Probate and Fiduciary Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association.

Practice Highlights

• Prepared complex estate plan for $20 million-plus estate involving a solely-owned business. Achieved client’s goal to prepare children by first marriage for succession management of the company, while balancing the interests of second spouse. Coordinated with counsel for the company and a business attorney within the firm to maximize the value of the company for the family through a management team involving attorney, spouse, business counsel and children until children might develop managerial capabilities. Plan involved multiple trusts and powers of attorney.
• Accepted designation as attorney-in-fact and successor trustee for married couple with no children. Both clients became incapacitated within months of each other, requiring activation of powers of attorney and successor trusteeship. Arranged for and managed caregivers in the home until skilled-care setting became the best option. Arranged for selection and distribution of household items among multiple family members when home was given up. Supervised care in skilled care facility and maintained contact with family members. Managed several million dollars in assets with investment counselor.
• Assisted three generations of clients, parent, child and grandchildren with estate-planning arrangements. Reviewed estate plan of grandparents that had been created several years ago. Created complete estate plan for child. Drafted pre-marital agreement for child about to re-marry. Created irrevocable trust for grandchild.

Professional Affiliations

• (N.C.) 28th Judicial District Bar
• American Bar Association
• American College of Trust and Estate Lawyers
• North Carolina State Bar
• Florida Bar
• Land of the Sky Estate Planning Council
• North Carolina Bar Association
• Estate Planning and Fiduciary Law Section

Recognitions

• AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
• Best Lawyers in America, 10-year recognition
• Business North Carolina Legal Elite
• North Carolina Super Lawyers
• Outstanding Lawyers in America