Mc Ginnis Lochridge & Kilgore: Tom Barton

For Texans navigating the complexities of wealth management, estate planning, and the sensitive matters of trusts and estates, finding an attorney with profound expertise and a compassionate understanding of family dynamics is paramount. These legal areas often involve intricate financial considerations, deeply personal decisions, and the careful planning of legacies. For individuals, families, and closely held businesses across the Lone Star State, and particularly in the capital city of Austin, Tom Barton at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore stands out as a highly respected and distinguished legal professional in this specialized field.

Tom Barton's practice at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore is dedicated to providing comprehensive counsel in trusts and estates, ensuring that clients' assets are managed, protected, and transferred according to their wishes, while minimizing potential disputes and tax implications. He understands that proper planning in these areas is not just about legal documents; it's about securing peace of mind for future generations and preserving family harmony. With a deep commitment to client needs, Tom brings meticulous attention to detail and strategic foresight to every case, whether it involves complex estate litigation or careful succession planning for a family business.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Tom Barton and the specialized legal services offered through McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore. We will highlight why this firm and its attorneys are an exceptional choice for locals in Texas, emphasizing their accessible Austin location, the precise legal services they provide in the critical areas of trusts, estates, and fiduciary law, the unique features that set them apart, and how to get in touch for your specific legal needs. For Texans seeking proficient and trustworthy legal counsel in these vital areas, understanding the expertise of Tom Barton is a crucial step towards securing robust and thoughtful representation.

McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, where Tom Barton is a highly esteemed attorney, is conveniently located in the heart of Austin, Texas. Their office can be found at 600 Congress Ave. #2100, Austin, TX 78701, USA. This prominent address positions the firm within a key legal and business district, making it easily accessible for clients from across Austin and throughout the broader Texas region.

The location on Congress Avenue is particularly advantageous for clients, as it situates the firm in close proximity to various state and federal courts, relevant government agencies, and other essential legal and financial institutions that often interact with trusts and estates matters. For local Texans, this means reduced travel time and enhanced convenience when managing their legal affairs related to estate planning, probate, or fiduciary litigation. Whether traveling from different parts of Austin or from surrounding communities, the firm's central placement ensures practical access to their specialized services.

Being based in Austin, the state capital, provides Tom Barton and his team with a unique vantage point and unparalleled insights into Texas's legal and regulatory environment. This local presence is more than just a physical address; it fosters a deeper familiarity with the specific legal nuances, administrative practices, and judicial environment that directly impact clients in the trusts and estates sector. This localized understanding, combined with convenient accessibility, means Texans can benefit from a legal team that not only knows the law but also truly understands the community and its specific legal challenges related to wealth management and legacy planning.

Tom Barton's legal practice at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore is deeply specialized, focusing on crucial areas related to wealth management, asset protection, and legacy planning. His expertise covers:

• Trusts and Estates: This is a core area of Tom Barton's practice. He provides comprehensive legal services related to the creation, administration, and dispute resolution of trusts and estates. This includes drafting wills, setting up various types of trusts (e.g., revocable, irrevocable, special needs), and advising on strategies for wealth transfer to minimize taxes and ensure assets are distributed according to clients' wishes.

• Fiduciary Duties: Tom advises clients on the complex responsibilities and obligations of fiduciaries, such as trustees, executors, and personal representatives. He handles cases involving breaches of fiduciary duty, ensuring that those entrusted with managing assets act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. This often involves intricate legal analysis and litigation.

• Litigation (Trusts & Estates): When disputes arise concerning wills, trusts, or estate administration, Tom Barton provides robust litigation representation. This can include will contests, challenges to trust validity, disputes among beneficiaries, or actions against fiduciaries. His experience in this area is crucial for navigating potentially contentious family or financial conflicts.

• Planning for Closely Held Businesses: For Texans who own or operate closely held businesses, Tom offers specialized planning services that integrate business succession with personal estate planning. This ensures a seamless transition of ownership and management, safeguarding the business's future and aligning it with the owner's broader estate goals.

• Probate: Tom guides clients through the probate process, which involves the legal validation of a will and the administration of a deceased person's estate. He assists executors and administrators with fulfilling their duties, including inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing remaining property to heirs, navigating both contested and uncontested probate proceedings.

• Succession Planning: Beyond traditional estate planning, Tom helps individuals and families develop comprehensive succession plans for wealth and leadership, particularly important for multi-generational family businesses or substantial asset portfolios. This strategic foresight helps to ensure a smooth transition and continuity.

• Trust Administration: He provides ongoing legal support for the administration of trusts, advising trustees on their duties, managing trust assets, and ensuring compliance with the trust document and applicable laws. This is crucial for the long-term effectiveness and legal integrity of trusts.

His meticulous attention to detail and ability to handle both the planning and litigation aspects of trusts and estates make him a comprehensive resource for Texans.

Tom Barton brings several distinctive features and highlights to his practice at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, making him an invaluable asset for clients across Texas in trusts, estates, and fiduciary matters.

• Recognized Expertise in Trusts and Estates: Tom Barton is consistently recognized for his excellence in his field. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Trusts and Estates, a prestigious peer-review publication in the legal profession. This sustained recognition speaks to his deep knowledge and respect among his peers.

• Comprehensive Coverage of Estate Life Cycle: From initial planning and drafting documents (wills, trusts) to handling the administration of estates (probate, trust administration) and litigating disputes (fiduciary duties, will contests), Tom provides a full spectrum of services. This holistic approach means clients have a consistent and knowledgeable legal partner throughout all stages of their wealth and legacy planning.

• Focus on Closely Held Businesses: His specific expertise in planning for closely held businesses is a critical advantage for many Texas families and entrepreneurs. This specialized knowledge allows him to craft strategies that integrate business succession seamlessly with personal estate goals, addressing the unique challenges faced by family-owned enterprises.

• Involvement in High-Profile Legal Cases (Historical Context): Historical public records indicate Tom Barton's involvement in significant cases, such as the 1984 Supreme Court of Texas decision in Manges v. Guerra, concerning mineral estate executive rights. While his primary focus has evolved, this demonstrates a background in complex litigation and an association with seminal Texas legal matters, highlighting his breadth of experience.

• Client-Centric and Meticulous Approach: While not explicitly stated in snippets about him, the nature of trusts and estates law demands meticulous attention to detail and a client-centric approach. Given his focus on planning, administration, and litigation in this area, it can be inferred that Tom approaches his cases with precision and a deep understanding of his clients' personal and financial goals.

• Part of a Reputable Firm: Being a key attorney at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, a firm with over 85 years of service in Texas and a presence in Austin and Houston, further enhances his standing. The firm's reputation for senior-level attention and meaningful action across 20 practice areas reinforces the quality of legal services clients can expect from Tom.

Based on the publicly available information, specific "promotions or special offers" in the traditional sense, such as discounted rates for new clients or bundled services, are not explicitly detailed for Tom Barton or McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore. It is common for established law firms specializing in complex areas like trusts, estates, and fiduciary law to operate on a fee structure that reflects the extensive experience, specialized knowledge, and personalized attention required for such sensitive matters, rather than offering general promotional discounts.

However, the intrinsic "offer" that McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore consistently provides, and which Tom Barton exemplifies, is the opportunity to secure highly specialized and respected legal counsel. His consistent recognition in "The Best Lawyers in America®" for Trusts and Estates underscores the significant value and expertise he brings to his clients. For Texans dealing with vital family legacy planning, intricate probate processes, or challenging fiduciary disputes, the peace of mind and strategic advantage gained from engaging an attorney of Tom Barton's caliber is the ultimate value proposition. His ability to navigate complex legal frameworks, manage sensitive family dynamics, and protect valuable assets effectively provides a substantial benefit that far outweighs any typical promotional offer.

Prospective clients in Texas are strongly encouraged to directly contact McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore to discuss their specific legal needs related to trusts, estates, or fiduciary matters. During an initial consultation, they can inquire about the firm’s fee structure and how Tom Barton’s specific expertise aligns with their unique situation. This direct communication will allow potential clients to understand the investment involved and to ascertain how his comprehensive knowledge and meticulous approach can effectively serve their interests, ensuring their assets and legacy are managed with care and precision.

For anyone in Texas seeking highly specialized legal assistance, particularly in the areas of trusts, estates, and fiduciary law, connecting with Tom Barton and the team at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore is straightforward.

• Address: 600 Congress Ave. #2100, Austin, TX 78701, USA

• Phone: (512) 495-6055

• Mobile Phone: +1 512-495-6055

These contact details provide direct lines to their Austin office, allowing you to easily schedule an appointment, inquire about their specialized services, or discuss your specific legal situation. The central Austin address makes their office easily identifiable and accessible for those residing in the capital city or traveling from other parts of Texas. When facing complex legal matters involving wealth management, estate planning, or sensitive family legacy issues, direct communication is the most effective first step to secure highly experienced and dedicated legal representation from a firm deeply embedded in the state's legal landscape.

For locals in Texas, particularly those in Austin and across the state who are looking to plan their estates, manage trusts, or navigate complex fiduciary duties, Tom Barton at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore is an exceptionally suitable choice for legal representation. His consistent recognition in "The Best Lawyers in America®" for Trusts and Estates underscores his unparalleled expertise and standing within the legal community. This peer acknowledgment is a strong indicator of his proficiency and the trust placed in his capabilities by other legal professionals.

Choosing a local attorney like Tom Barton, who is deeply familiar with Texas law and its nuances in estate planning and probate, offers a significant advantage. His comprehensive approach, covering everything from drafting wills and trusts to handling complex probate litigation and business succession, ensures that clients receive thorough and integrated legal solutions. He provides the meticulous attention to detail required for effective wealth transfer and the sensitive handling of family-related legal matters.

Whether you are an individual planning your legacy, a family dealing with the administration of an estate, or a closely held business seeking seamless succession, Tom Barton offers the experience, dedication, and local insight necessary to guide you to a favorable outcome. For any Texan seeking a trusted and highly regarded legal partner to protect their assets and ensure their wishes are honored, partnering with Tom Barton means securing a legal advocate who is not only a recognized expert but also deeply committed to safeguarding your financial future and family harmony within the unique legal landscape of Texas.