Michael C. Riddle
Michael C. Riddle began his practice of law as a gift and estate tax attorney for the Internal Revenue Service. He graduated from the University of Houston Law School in 1972 and in 1991 became Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Estate Planning and Probate. Mike Riddle has been a guest speaker for the White House Conference on Aging and he spoke before the International Association of Financial Planners in Washington, D.C. He has been guest speaker for 40 years on Christian radio station KHCB 105.7. He is the Managing Partner of Riddle & Butts, LLP and has been practicing law in Harris County and surrounding counties for almost 40 years. He served as the Parliamentarian and Chair of the Finance Committee of the Harris County Republican Party. Mike has three grown children and lives in the Tomball area. He is a member of Champion Forest Baptist Church, where he serves as a Sunday school teacher. Mike is married to former Texas State representative Debbie Riddle.
Christine Butts
Christine Butts is a 1993 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where she obtained her BBA in International Business. 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, guardianship, 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 of 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.
Kristi Gourley
Kristi Gourley is a 1997 graduate of Texas A&M University where she obtained her BS in Biomedical Science. In 2003, she graduated from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU, where she was an editor for the Louisiana Law Review. Kristi enjoys engaging with her clients one-on-one to discuss their needs, alleviate their concerns, and form a lasting partnership. When she isn’t working, Kristi can be found rooting on her rival teams. Gig ’em Aggies and Geaux Tigers!
Kaitlyn R. Ready
Kaitlyn Ready is the most recent addition to the Riddle and Butts team. After graduating from Mays Business School at Texas A&M University in 2016 with a degree in business management, Kaitlyn continued her education at South Texas College of Law Houston where she spent time serving the citizens of Harris County by volunteering in both the Guardianship and Veterans Clinic. After spending her first two years of practice focused on estate planning, she now handles both probate and estate planning matters. While some say they are ready to handle any challenge, Kaitlyn is proud to say that she was “born Ready.”
Tom Hopkins
Tom Hopkins graduated from the American University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Literature. He earned his law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 1998. For most of his career, Tom has focused on probate, estate planning, asset protection, and business formation. Since moving to Texas in 2012, Tom and his family have enjoyed living in Kingwood. Tom is an Eagle Scout and has served as the camping coordinator and a committee member for his son’s troop. Tom enjoys travelling with his wife, Stacy, reading, and live music.
Thompson Butts
Thompson Butts graduated from Texas A&M University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business. In 2026, he graduated from South Texas College of Law Houston, where he served as Executive Editor of the South Texas Law Review and provided estate planning and probate services through the Randall O. Sorrels Legal Clinics, assisting underserved members of the Houston community. Thompson enjoys working directly with clients to address their needs and provide peace of mind. When he is not working, he enjoys traveling, reading,
and cooking.