EK stars Chris Erskine and Steven Bell, who joined Partick Thistle on loan, and striker Kieran McGrath who has switched to Peterhead.
As with those moves, Northern Ireland cap Paton has a clause in his contract that will see him return to Stevie Aitken's East Kilbride squad immediately should the Lowland League re-start.
Diamonds boss Ian Murray told the club website: “I’m really looking forward to working with Paul, he brings quality and experience, and is another player with great hunger which is so important to us. “Everyone is looking forward to working with him over this busy period.” Paton said: "I’m delighted to be joining the club and working hard like I have done over my whole career.
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