Business Details
41 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning & Probate Attorneys in McKinney, TX
Established in 1985, Caton Law Firm has provided dedicated legal services in McKinney, Texas, specializing in estate planning, probate, and business formation. Founded by Betty Ann Caton and Karen C. Caton, our firm continues with the next generation of legal expertise through Karen C. Caton and Cate Carter. With over 35 years of combined experience, we prioritize personalized attention to individual client needs, offering tailored solutions for wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and small business legal structures.Our practice emphasizes clarity and accessibility, as demonstrated through educational resources like our estate planning glossary and guides on trust types and gifting strategies. We maintain a client-focused approach, ensuring transparent communication and adherence to professional standards while serving families and businesses in North Texas.
Services
Probate Administration
Estate Planning
Wills and Trusts
Business Formation
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- Established in 1985 with generational legal expertise
- Specialize in estate planning, probate, and business formation
- Provide educational resources for informed decision-making
- Offer personalized attention to individual client needs
- Maintain transparent communication and professional standards
Services
Probate Administration
We guide executors and beneficiaries through Texas probate processes, ensuring proper asset distribution and debt settlement. Our team handles court filings, inventory preparation, and legal representation to streamline estate closure while minimizing family conflict and delays.
Estate Planning
Our customized estate plans protect assets and clarify wishes through wills, trusts, and advanced directives. We create comprehensive strategies addressing tax implications, guardianship, and long-term care planning to ensure client intentions are legally enforceable.
Wills and Trusts
We draft legally sound wills and various trust types, including revocable living trusts and irrevocable trusts. Our documents address asset management, beneficiary provisions, and succession planning to maintain control over property distribution and reduce probate requirements.
Business Formation
We assist entrepreneurs in establishing corporations, LLCs, and partnerships with proper legal structures. Services include entity selection analysis, document preparation, and compliance guidance to protect personal assets and optimize tax benefits for Texas businesses.
People
Karen C. Caton
Attorney
With over 30 years of experience, Karen C. Caton specializes in estate planning and probate law. She continues the firm's legacy established by her mother, Betty Ann Caton, providing trusted legal counsel to McKinney families.
Cate Carter
Attorney
Cate Carter brings modern legal expertise to estate planning and business law. As Karen Caton's daughter, she represents the third generation of legal professionals in this mother-daughter practice, focusing on client education and digital accessibility.
Terrie Farris
Legal Assistant
Terrie Farris supports the firm's operations with over 15 years of legal administrative experience. She manages client communications, document preparation, and office procedures to ensure efficient service delivery.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I need?
Essential documents include wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. We'll help determine which combination best protects your assets and expresses your wishes.
How long does probate take in Texas?
Simple probates typically take 4-6 months, while complex cases may require 12-18 months. Our streamlined process minimizes delays through proactive court communication and complete documentation submission.
Can I form an LLC online?
While basic filings can be done online, we recommend professional guidance to ensure proper operating agreements, tax elections, and compliance with Texas-specific business regulations.
Do you offer document review services?
Yes, we provide comprehensive review of existing estate plans or business documents to ensure they meet current legal standards and accurately reflect your intentions.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve McKinney and surrounding Collin County communities, with virtual consultations available for clients across Texas.
