Former Probate Judge. Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate. Call for a free consultation.
Christine Butts is a 1993 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where she obtained her BBA in International Business and Finance. In 1996, she graduated from the University of Houston Law School. Christine is Board Certified in Probate and Estate Planning by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. As a law student, Christine was publishing editor of the Houston Journal of International Law. Christine limits her practice of law to the following areas: probate, estate planning, business entities, and charitable organizations. Christine served Harris County as Judge of Probate Court 4 from 2011 to 2018 and, now back in practice, remains dedicated to the mission of serving families in times of crisis when that crisis involves the loss or incapacity of a loved one. Though she no longer serves as a probate judge for Harris County, she serves as the president-elect for the National College of Probate Judges. Christine is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Houston. Christine and her husband, Donald Butts, have four children, live in Spring, and attend Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
Practice areas
Estate planning is the process of establishing a plan for the death or incapacity of a person. It involves the creation of a will, durable power of attorney, and medical power of attorney. It may also involve the formation of a revocable trust or other trusts designed with an eye toward minimizing estate and income taxes and protecting the inheritance or gift passing to the beneficiaries.
24 years, 1,000 cases
Probate is the process of settling the estates of decedents.
24 years, 1,000 cases
Many clients who need estate planning are also small business owners. Often limited liability companies and limited partnerships are formed to protect and manage assets and to reduce estate tax liability.
24 years, 100 cases
Languages spoken
English
Riddle & Butts, LLP
8777 West Rayford Road
The Woodlands, TX, 77389
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
TX | Eligible To Practice In Texas | 1997 | 05/28/2022 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 5 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
AV Rated 5.0 | Martindale Hubbell | 2010 |
Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law | Texas Board of Legal Specialization | 2003 |
Texas Rising Star (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011) | Texas Monthly Super Lawyer Magazine | N/A |
Houston’s Top Lawyers for the People (2007, 2008, 2009) | H Texas Magazine | N/A |
Houston’s Top Lawyers (2007, 2008, 2009) | H Texas Magazine | N/A |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney | Riddle & Butts, LLP | 2019 - Present |
Judge | Harris County Probate Court 4 | 2011 - 2018 |
Partner | Riddle, Butts & Akiens, LLP | 1995 - 2010 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Association of Women Attorneys | Member | 2011 - Present |
Pasadena Bar Association | Member | 2011 - Present |
National College of Probate Judges | Vice President | 2011 - Present |
Planned Giving Council of Houston | Board Member | 2008 - Present |
Junior League of Houston | Active Member | 2007 - Present |
Houston Bar Association | Member | 2000 - Present |
Mensa | Member | 1997 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Houston Business and Tax Law Journal | “Choice of Business Entity in Texas” | 2004 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University Of Houston | 1996 | |
The University of Texas | BBA | 1993 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Summer Conference of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel | The Kids are Alright–Navigating between the Hard Knock Life and Easy Street when Passing Assets to Children | 2018 |
19th Annual Guardianship Law and Elder Law Course | Tips from Judges to Elder Law and Guardianship Attorneys–Errors Seen in the Courtroom and Beyond | 2018 |
Advanced Guardianship and Elder Law Course | The Runaway Ad Litem | 2017 |
28th Annual Estate Planning and Probate Drafting Course | Drafting common and Uncommon Pleadings in Court Supervised Administrations—A View from Both Sides of the Bench | 2017 |
12th Annual Fiduciary Litigation Course | When is a Declaratory Judgment Proper? | 2017 |
Meeting | Representing Clients Facing Mental Health Committment | 2012 |
2012 Wills and Probate Institute | Attorney and Appointee Fees | 2012 |
Wills and Probate Institute | Coordinating Beneficiary Designations: Has your World Changed in the Last Five Years? | 2009 |
National Business Institute | Intestacy and Closing the Estate | 2008 |
Lorman Education Services | Using Revocable Trusts as Estate Planning Tools | 2008 |
Lorman Education Services | Tax Exempt Organizations in Texas | 2007 |
American Women’s Society of CPA’s | The Future of Family Limited Partnerships in Estate Planning | 2006 |
Attorneys in Tax and Probate | Choosing a Business Entity in Texas with an Eye Toward Succession Planning | 2004 |
2003 Accounting Expo | Choice of Business Entity in Texas | 2003 |
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J. Luck, Probate Attorney on Mar 1, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Christine is an exceptionally talented probate lawyer who will be one of the best probate judges Harris County has ever had.
Amy Nelson, Probate Attorney on Feb 26, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I fully endorse Christine's work. I have had the pleasure of working with her on different client matters over the past several years, and have consistently found her to be highly skilled, thoughtful, and caring. I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with her again.
J. Luck, Probate Attorney on Mar 1, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Christine is an exceptionally talented probate lawyer who will be one of the best probate judges Harris County has ever had.
Amy Nelson, Probate Attorney on Feb 26, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I fully endorse Christine's work. I have had the pleasure of working with her on different client matters over the past several years, and have consistently found her to be highly skilled, thoughtful, and caring. I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with her again.
Janice Rich, Probate Attorney on Feb 26, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I fully endorse this lawyer. She is competent, caring and capable.
Scott Lisman, Probate Attorney on Feb 25, 2010
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I found Christine easy to work with and creative in her approach to legal issues. I would definitely work with her again.
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