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.
Collaborative Law: Family Law & More Attorney · Serving Dallas, TX
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.
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About 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
- 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 Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Thomas P. Goranson handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Dallas.
Family Law in Dallas
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 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Texas →
Mediation & Arbitration in Dallas
Mediators and arbitrators for civil, commercial, family, and employment dispute resolution.
Thomas P. Goranson is one of 73,315 adr attorneys indexed nationally. Browse adr attorneys in Texas →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Dallas
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.
Dallas Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Dallas-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Texas attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Dallas or all attorneys in Texas.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Dallas Choose Thomas P. Goranson
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Thomas P. Goranson's practice in the field of family law and adr.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering family law and adr, Thomas P. Goranson can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Dallas
A Dallas-based practice means Thomas P. Goranson attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Thomas P. Goranson Handles in Dallas
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Thomas P. Goranson has experience with under Texas law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Thomas P. Goranson directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Thomas P. Goranson Online
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Thomas P. Goranson's Practice Areas & Specializations
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