Mc Ginnis Lochridge & Kilgore: Tom Barton

For families and business owners across Texas, the careful planning and management of wealth, assets, and legacies are profoundly important. Navigating the complexities of trusts, estates, probate, and succession planning requires not only deep legal expertise but also a compassionate and forward-thinking approach. This article introduces you to Thomas O. Barton, a distinguished attorney at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, a venerable law firm located in the heart of Austin, Texas. We will explore his significant specialization in trusts and estates and how his guidance is invaluable for locals seeking to secure their financial future and ensure their wishes are honored.

McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore has a long-standing reputation in Texas for providing comprehensive legal services with a commitment to integrity and client success. The firm’s enduring strength in complex legal areas is exemplified by attorneys like Thomas O. Barton, whose practice is singularly focused on the intricate world of trusts and estates. For Texans looking to establish a robust estate plan, navigate the probate process, or ensure the smooth transition of a family business, Tom Barton offers specialized knowledge and a wealth of experience.

Thomas O. Barton's expertise encompasses a wide range of services crucial for effective wealth management and legacy planning. He assists clients with drafting wills and trusts, advises on intricate fiduciary duties, handles trust administration, and provides vital counsel for succession planning for closely held businesses. In a state like Texas, with its unique probate laws and diverse economic landscape, having an attorney who understands both the legal and practical implications of these matters is essential for preserving wealth and minimizing future disputes.

His recognition in prestigious legal listings like "The Best Lawyers in America" for Trusts and Estates underscores his esteemed standing within the legal community. This peer recognition provides a high degree of confidence for Texans seeking an attorney who is not only knowledgeable but also highly respected by his colleagues in the field. Tom Barton’s approach is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to understanding each client's unique circumstances, ensuring that every plan is custom-tailored to meet their specific goals and family dynamics.

By providing clear, engaging, and factual information about Thomas O. Barton and McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, this article aims to empower Texans to make informed decisions about their estate planning and wealth management needs. We understand that these can be sensitive and personal matters, and having access to a highly skilled, respected, and dedicated attorney like Thomas O. Barton can provide the peace of mind and strategic guidance necessary to secure your legacy in the Lone Star State.

Location and Accessibility

Thomas O. Barton practices from his office at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, which is strategically located in the heart of Austin, Texas, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients from across the city and throughout the state. The firm's address is 600 Congress Ave. #2100, Austin, TX 78701, USA. This prime downtown Austin location places his office within convenient proximity to state courthouses, financial institutions, and major business districts, which is particularly beneficial for his focus on trusts, estates, and business succession planning.

For those traveling by car, numerous public parking garages and metered street parking options are available in the immediate vicinity, making client visits straightforward and stress-free. The office’s central position on Congress Avenue provides easy access from major Austin thoroughfares, including I-35 and MoPac (Loop 1), which connect the capital city to various parts of Texas. This ensures that clients from surrounding communities like Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, San Marcos, or even further across the state, can reach him for crucial consultations regarding their estate and wealth planning needs. For individuals utilizing public transportation, Austin’s Capital Metro bus system features multiple stops within close walking distance of Congress Avenue, offering convenient connections from diverse neighborhoods. This strategic and accessible location underscores Thomas O. Barton’s commitment to serving a wide array of clients throughout the vast Texas landscape, reinforcing his role as a central resource for trusts and estates matters.

Services Offered

• Trusts and Estates: Thomas O. Barton provides comprehensive legal services related to trusts and estates, assisting clients with the creation, administration, and litigation of various types of trusts and estate plans.
• Estate Planning: He advises individuals and families on effective estate planning strategies to manage and distribute their assets, minimize taxes, and ensure their wishes are carried out. This includes drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives.
• Probate and Estate Administration: Thomas O. Barton guides clients through the complex probate process, ensuring the efficient and proper administration of estates, including handling court filings, asset distribution, and resolving any disputes that may arise during probate.
• Wealth Management: He offers strategic advice on wealth management, helping clients structure their assets for long-term financial security and generational transfers.
• Fiduciary Duties: Thomas O. Barton advises trustees, executors, and other fiduciaries on their legal obligations and responsibilities, helping them navigate complex legal and ethical requirements.
• Succession Planning for Closely Held Businesses: He assists owners of closely held businesses in developing robust succession plans, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership and ownership while preserving the business’s value and continuity.
• Probate Litigation: In cases where disputes arise during the probate process, such as will contests or challenges to trust provisions, Thomas O. Barton represents clients in litigation to protect their interests.

Features / Highlights

• Specialized Expertise in Trusts & Estates: Thomas O. Barton dedicates his practice primarily to trusts and estates, offering deep, specialized knowledge in complex areas like estate planning, wealth management, probate, and business succession planning.
• Recognized Professional: He has been consistently recognized in "The Best Lawyers in America" for Trusts and Estates, signifying high peer respect and proven expertise in his field. This recognition has spanned multiple years (e.g., 2014, 2015, and more recently).
• Comprehensive Service Offering: His practice covers the full spectrum of trusts and estates matters, from proactive planning and drafting to administration and litigation, providing a holistic approach to client needs.
• Focus on Closely Held Businesses: Thomas O. Barton has specific expertise in succession planning for closely held businesses, a critical service for many Texas family enterprises aiming for long-term sustainability.
• Experienced Litigator for Probate Disputes: While a planner, he also has experience in probate litigation, offering robust representation when disputes arise regarding wills, trusts, or estate administration.
• In-Depth Knowledge of Fiduciary Duties: He provides detailed guidance on fiduciary responsibilities, helping trustees and executors fulfill their roles correctly and avoid potential legal pitfalls.
• Affiliation with Reputable Firm: As part of McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, a firm with a 90-year history in Texas, Thomas O. Barton benefits from and contributes to a legacy of legal excellence and client dedication.
• Client-Centric Approach: His focus is on understanding each client's unique circumstances to develop personalized and effective strategies for managing their wealth and ensuring their legacy.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a highly respected and specialized legal professional in trusts and estates, Thomas O. Barton and the esteemed firm of McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore focus on delivering personalized, strategic legal counsel rather than offering traditional "promotions" or "special offers." Legal services in estate planning, probate, and wealth management are inherently intricate and uniquely tailored to each client's individual financial situation, family dynamics, and long-term goals. Therefore, fees are generally determined based on the specific complexities of the estate, the scope of the planning required, the time commitment involved, and Thomas O. Barton's profound expertise and recognized standing in the field.

While public discounts or bundled promotional packages are not part of their operational model, McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore is committed to transparency regarding their billing practices. Prospective clients—whether individuals, families, or business owners—are strongly encouraged to directly contact the Austin office to schedule an initial consultation. During this consultation, Thomas O. Barton or a member of his team can discuss your specific needs regarding estate planning, probate, or business succession, outline potential strategies, and provide a clear explanation of the fee arrangements. Given the bespoke nature of trusts and estates work, fees may be structured as flat fees for certain planning documents or hourly rates for more complex administration or litigation matters. Any specific payment arrangements or options would be thoroughly discussed and mutually agreed upon during this direct consultation, ensuring clarity and trust as legal representation commences. The firm's priority is to provide exceptional, value-driven legal counsel that meets the unique and critical needs of Texans in managing their legacies.

Contact Information

To connect with Thomas O. Barton and the experienced team at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore to discuss your trusts and estates, estate planning, or business succession needs, please use the following contact details:

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

Phone: (512) 495-6055

Mobile Phone: +1 512-495-6055

We encourage you to reach out for a confidential consultation to explore how Thomas O. Barton's extensive experience and specialized knowledge can benefit your personal and business legacy planning.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Texans focused on securing their family's future, managing their wealth, and ensuring their legacy is handled according to their wishes, having a highly skilled and trustworthy trusts and estates attorney is indispensable. Thomas O. Barton at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice for locals. His prime location in the heart of Austin, at 600 Congress Ave. #2100, offers unparalleled accessibility, placing expert estate planning and probate counsel conveniently within reach of individuals and families across the city and throughout the state.

What truly makes Thomas O. Barton suitable for Texans is his profound and dedicated specialization in trusts and estates. In a state with its own specific probate laws and a diverse range of family and business structures, his focused expertise is invaluable. Whether it's drafting intricate wills, establishing trusts for asset protection, navigating the probate court system, or developing complex succession plans for closely held Texas businesses, Tom Barton provides the precise legal knowledge and strategic foresight that locals need to protect their assets and ensure their wishes are faithfully executed.

His consistent recognition in "The Best Lawyers in America" for Trusts and Estates underscores his respected standing among his peers and provides a strong assurance of his capabilities. This peer endorsement is particularly meaningful for Texans seeking an attorney they can trust with such sensitive and personal matters.

Furthermore, his comprehensive approach, covering everything from proactive planning to efficient administration and skilled litigation of probate disputes, means that Texans receive complete legal support. This holistic view ensures that all aspects of their estate and legacy planning are addressed thoughtfully and effectively, providing long-term peace of mind.

In essence, Thomas O. Barton at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore offers Texans a powerful combination of localized accessibility, deep specialized expertise in trusts and estates, a recognized reputation for excellence, and a commitment to personalized client service. His dedication to helping individuals and families secure their financial futures and preserve their legacies makes him an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal partner in the Lone Star State.