Atty. Thomas P. Goranson

Atty. Thomas P. Goranson

Recognizing that divorce is a difficult time and often involves the division of an estate, Thomas Goranson applies a keen understanding to marital assets and how they can be valued and divided to achieve maximum benefit to the client. Befitting the founder of the firm, Tom also brings a certain stature to his cases that supports the client’s goals in the proceedings.

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Profile Summary

About Thomas P. Goranson at a glance

Thomas P. Goranson is a family law and adr attorney based in Dallas, Texas, practicing at Goranson Bain Ausley PLLC. Admitted to practice in Texas, State Bar of Texas. Educated at Southern Methodist University (—, 1971) and Southern Methodist University (J.D., 1971). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Collaborative Law: Family Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Serves clients in Dallas, TX and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Recognizing that divorce is a difficult time and often involves the division of an estate, Thomas Goranson applies a keen understanding to marital assets and how they can be valued and divided to achieve maximum benefit to the client
  • Befitting the founder of the firm, Tom also brings a certain stature to his cases that supports the client’s goals in the proceedings
  • With an eye toward preserving assets rather than destroying them, Tom offers clients a thorough analysis and creative but realistic plan to accomplish their objectives
  • Tom began his law practice in 1971 as an associate with the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld
  • Early on, he was assigned an estate case and quickly became familiar with community and separate property concepts, cases and law in Texas
  • Then, Tom assisted in a divorce case involving a jury trial
  • In a rather short period of time, Tom was placed in charge of the divorce practice at Akin, Gump
  • In 1987, he founded a law firm devoted exclusively to divorce and family law, known today as Goranson Bain, PLLC (Goranson Bain Ausley, PLLC in Austin, Texas)
  • Tom’s current divorce practice emphasizes significant property cases
  • He is Board Certified in Family Law, by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1980, a graduate of SMU School of Law (1971), and a frequent lecturer on family law matters
  • He is also a member of two separate American Inns of Court
  • The William “Mac” Taylor Inn is a general litigation organization
  • The membership of the Annette Stewart Inn is limited to family law attorneys
  • Tom was a founding member of the Annette Stewart Inn and was Education Vice-President for 2003 – 2004
  • Inns of Court were established in the United States for the purpose of fostering excellence in professionalism, ethics, civility, and legal skills
  • He has been a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers since 1982
  • Tom has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America©, by Woodward/White, Inc., for over twenty years
  • He was selected by for inclusion in the list of “Best Personal Lawyers in Dallas: Family Law” in 2009 and 2011, and “Best Lawyers in Dallas: Family Law” in 2008
  • He has also been selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list, Thomson Reuters, 2003 – 2017
  • He also made “Top 100: Texas Super Lawyers”, Thomson Reuters, 2004- 2005, as well as “Top 100: Dallas/Fort Worth Super Lawyers”, Thomson Reuters, 2003 – 2005
  • Tom was one of the founding members of, and is currently an active member in, a local Toastmasters International Club – Counselors (#5918)
  • He is especially proud of establishing a law firm that developed a great reputation among judges, mediators, other professionals and clients

Practice Areas Explained

Thomas P. Goranson's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Thomas P. Goranson handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Thomas P. Goranson is one of 167,063 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Texas →

Mediation & Arbitration

Mediators and arbitrators for civil, commercial, family, and employment dispute resolution.

Thomas P. Goranson is one of 67,021 adr attorneys indexed nationally. Browse adr attorneys in Texas →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Texas

Practicing law in Texas. Legal matters in Texas are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Dallas are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Texas state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Texas brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Texas courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Texas attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Dallas or all attorneys in Texas.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Thomas P. Goranson

Where is Thomas P. Goranson's law office located?
Thomas P. Goranson's law practice is located in Dallas, Texas. The firm is Goranson Bain Ausley PLLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Thomas P. Goranson handle?
Thomas P. Goranson focuses on family law, adr. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Texas.
Where did Thomas P. Goranson go to law school?
Thomas P. Goranson earned their education at (—, 1971); (J.D., 1971).
How can I contact Thomas P. Goranson for a consultation?
You can contact Thomas P. Goranson directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Thomas P. Goranson received?
Thomas P. Goranson's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Collaborative Law: Family Law; Best Lawyers in America — Family Law; Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:; Best Lawyers in America — Divorce; Best Lawyers in America — Equitable Division.

Education

Southern Methodist University
- 1971
J.D.
Southern Methodist University
- 1971

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Collaborative Law: Family Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Divorce
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Equitable Division
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Marital Settlement Agreements
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Board Certified - Family Law - Texas Board of Legal Specialization - since 1980
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 1982 – Present
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the field of Family Law, Woodward and White Press, 1987 – 2017
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Selected to the “Top Lawyers: Family Law”, D Magazine, 1995, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007 – 2009
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Selected to the “Best Personal Lawyers in Dallas; Family Law”, D Magazine, 2011
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Selected to the “Best Lawyers in Dallas: Family Law”, D Magazine, 2008
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list, Thomson Reuters, 2003 – 2024
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Selected to the “Top 100: Texas Super Lawyers”, Thomson Reuters, 2004- 2005
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Selected to the “Top 100: Dallas/Fort Worth Super Lawyers”, Thomson Reuters, 2003 – 2005
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Family Law (Dallas)
- 2013

Bar Admissions

Texas, State Bar of Texas

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