About Us
Law You Can Understand
Here at Craig A Choate, PC, we know that legal action can be confusing, frustrating, and even overwhelming. We are dedicated to providing you counsel, assistance and help in language that you can understand. Whether it is assistance with your business or help with your estate planning, we are here to help YOU.
Tailored Results
The first step is for us to work with you and come up with a plan to get the results you need. With our thorough understanding of business law, estate planning or other legal needs and your communication of your circumstances, we will craft a path to success.
Let's Talk
We know that sometimes people are not comfortable with the thought of contacting an Attorney. That's why here at Craig A. Choate PC, we have CONVERSATIONS not consultations. And, we make every effort to speak "legalese" in plain English.
I want to help you. Schedule a phone call so we can talk.
Let us help you figure out what your best next steps are. The sooner you have a plan of action, the better the chances of taking the correct steps to get the results you want.
CALL US WHEN YOU NEED
BUSINESS COUNSEL:
· To form an LLC, partnership, corporation or other business entity to protect your business
· To prepare and file entity formation documents
· general business law advice
· To prepare and file d/b/a’s
· Before you sign that contract (vendor/supplier/purchase/services…)
· Before you sign that employment agreement
· If you’re hiring a new employee and need an employment contract
· To draft, edit, revise and negotiate termination and separation agreements
· To prepare, file, obtain and maintain Trademark and Copyright protection
· To draft, edit, revise and negotiate non-competition agreements
· If you think you might have regulatory compliance issues
· If you have an employee problem or need to terminate an employee
· If you have a billing dispute
· If you have a collection issue
· To prepare and negotiate Promissory Notes and Security Agreements
· To prepare and file Article 9 Security Agreements
· To draft, edit, revise and negotiate Non-Disclosure Agreements and Confidentiality Agreements
· To draft, edit, revise and negotiate vendor agreements
· To revise and negotiate commercial lease agreements
· To help negotiate licensing agreements
ESTATE SERVICES:
- A Last Will & Testament (and you do)
- A Revocable Living Trust
- Powers of Attorney
- Transfer on Death Deed
- Other Estate Planning
ADOPTION/GUARDIANSHIP:
· Representation for private adoption
· Representation for adoption through the Texas Department of Family Protective Services
· A Petition for Guardianship of a Minor’s Person and/or Estate
· A Petition for Guardianship of the Person and/or Estate of an incapacitated person
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should the customer know about your fees?
I try and charge a flat fee for the legal services I provide. This includes contracts, business formations, Wills, and Trusts as well as Probate and Adoption matters.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
1) Free 15 minute conversation - that usually runs long 2) Provide a flat fee, if possible or an hourly rate, if necessary 3) Develop a plan and timeline 4) Get to work!!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
University of Houston Law Center - Juris Doctorate - 1994; Southwestern University - Bachelor of Arts in Political Science - 1991
How did you get started doing this type of work?
Partly, because I read "To Kill a Mockingbird" and wanted to be Atticus Finch at an early age! Mostly, because I just never wrote that #1 song and became a ROCK STAR!!
What types of customers have you worked with?
From sole proprietors to multi-national corporations and all points in-between. From start-ups to long established companies Too many industries to name.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Listen carefully
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Their budget and what is their desired outcome