Chad Elsey

A Competitive Edge in Family Law

I became a family lawyer because I believe it is the most important, life-changing area of law. For more than 20 years, I’ve helped clients in Denton, Flower Mound, and across North Texas navigate some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Whether it’s guiding a business owner through a complex property division, preparing a professional athlete for the future with a prenuptial agreement, or protecting a parent’s relationship with their children, I bring both competitive drive and creative problem-solving to every case.

My background in finance, statistics, and entrepreneurship allows me to approach family law with a business-minded perspective. I work best with clients who value direct communication and a clear strategy. My approach is straightforward: soft with clients, hard with the problem. I listen closely, educate clients so they understand their options, and create strategies aligned with their goals. In court, I am a strong and steady advocate, ready to assertively protect my clients’ rights and help position them for a secure future.

Here’s how I work with clients:

• Develop creative, financially responsible strategies that protect assets and businesses
• Negotiate constructively when possible while preparing thoroughly for litigation
• Advocate decisively in the courtroom when necessary to achieve the best results
• Offer discretion and tailored strategies for high-profile clients, including professional athletes and business leaders
• Design creative, customized solutions that anticipate challenges and move clients toward resolution efficiently

Professional Credentials and Experience

Chad Elsey has more than 2,000 hours of experience as lead trial counsel in family law cases. He has successfully handled jury and bench trials involving common-law marriage, custody disputes, and high-asset property division. His experience also includes representing professional athletes, including NBA and NFL players, in sensitive matters such as prenuptial agreements and paternity cases, where discretion and strategic planning are essential.

With a degree in finance, and a focus on entrepreneurship, Chad understands how businesses are built and sustained, how financial decisions impact families, and how to safeguard assets in divorce. This makes him particularly effective in high-net-worth cases involving private businesses, professional practices, and complex compensation structures.

Chad Elsey has been acknowledged by his peers for his skill and professionalism. He has been included in Texas Super Lawyers since 2011, first on the Rising Stars list and, beginning in 2021, on the Super Lawyers list. Before joining Goranson Bain Ausley, he served as Managing Partner of Elsey & Elsey, where he led a team of 10 attorneys and staff focused on complex family law litigation.

Interests

Outside of the office, Chad’s life is rooted in sports and family. A former collegiate basketball player at both Baylor University and Southern Methodist University, he brings the same competitive spirit that fueled his success on the court to his work as a family lawyer. His daughter is one of the top-ranked volleyball players in the nation, and his son, a sophomore in high school, is already earning Division I football offers. Chad is also closely connected to professional athletics through his nephew’s career in the NBA. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he enjoys attending Mavericks games, skiing whenever possible, and cooking for family and friends.