Business Details
41 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning & Probate Attorneys in McKinney, TX
Established in 1985, Caton Law Firm has provided trusted legal counsel in McKinney, Texas for over 35 years. Founded by Betty Ann Caton and Karen C. Caton, our firm continues to serve clients through the next generation of legal professionals, including Karen C. Caton and Cate Carter. We specialize in estate planning, probate administration, trust management, and small business formation, offering personalized solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances. Our commitment to individualized attention is reflected in our practice of thoroughly understanding client needs before developing strategic legal plans. With multigenerational experience in estate law, we provide comprehensive resources including educational materials on wills versus living trusts, estate planning glossaries, and trust-building strategies.Our team of attorneys and legal professionals maintains the highest standards of professional conduct while delivering accessible, community-focused legal services. We prioritize clear communication and client education, ensuring clients understand complex legal concepts through plain-language explanations and practical guidance. Our office procedures are designed to streamline legal processes while maintaining the personal touch that has defined our practice since inception.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Trust Administration
Business Formation
Legal Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in estate planning and probate law
- Our multigenerational team combines traditional values with modern legal strategies
- We provide personalized legal solutions tailored to individual client needs
- We offer comprehensive educational resources for estate planning decisions
- Our practice focuses on clear communication and client understanding
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services help clients create comprehensive plans for asset distribution and future healthcare decisions. We specialize in wills, living trusts, and powers of attorney tailored to individual circumstances. Our attorneys guide clients through complex estate planning options while ensuring legal compliance and future security.
Probate Administration
We provide expert probate administration for executors and beneficiaries navigating estate settlement processes. Our services include will validation, asset inventory, debt settlement, and distribution guidance. Our experienced team helps clients understand and fulfill their legal obligations during the probate process.
Trust Administration
Our trust administration services assist trustees in managing and distributing trust assets according to grantor intentions. We provide guidance on trust funding, tax compliance, and beneficiary communications. Our attorneys help establish and maintain various trust structures including living trusts and family limited partnerships.
Business Formation
We assist entrepreneurs in establishing appropriate business entities for their ventures. Our services cover corporation and LLC formation, partnership agreements, and business succession planning. We provide strategic guidance on entity selection based on liability protection, tax considerations, and long-term business goals.
Legal Consultation
Our legal consultation services provide clients with personalized guidance on estate and business matters. We offer initial consultations to assess client needs and develop customized legal strategies. Our attorneys explain complex legal concepts in plain language to support informed decision-making.
People
Karen C. Caton
Attorney
Karen C. Caton has practiced estate law in McKinney since 1985. She specializes in estate planning, probate, and trust administration, continuing the firm's tradition of personalized legal service.
Cate Carter
Attorney
Cate Carter represents the next generation of legal professionals at Caton Law Firm. She focuses on estate planning and business formation, combining modern legal strategies with traditional values.
Terrie Farris
Legal Assistant
Terrie Farris provides essential support to our legal team with over 15 years of experience in estate law documentation and client coordination.
Jackson Carter
Office Administrator
Jackson Carter manages our office operations, ensuring efficient client service and maintaining the firm's commitment to personalized attention for all clients.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I need?
Basic estate planning typically requires a will, living trust, and powers of attorney. Our attorneys will help determine the appropriate documents based on your specific circumstances.
How much does probate cost?
Probate costs vary depending on estate complexity. We provide transparent fee structures and work efficiently to minimize expenses during the estate settlement process.
Can I create a trust myself?
While possible, creating a trust requires legal expertise to ensure validity and effectiveness. Our attorneys help establish properly structured trusts that meet your specific needs.
How long does business formation take?
Business formation typically takes 1-2 weeks depending on entity type. We guide clients through each step, from document preparation to state registration requirements.
Do you offer initial consultations?
Yes, we offer initial consultations to discuss your legal needs and develop customized solutions. This allows us to understand your situation before proceeding with any legal work.
