Chad Elsey

About Chad Elsey

Chad Elsey is a partner with Goranson Bain Ausley who represents clients throughout Denton County and North Texas in complex family law matters involving closely held businesses, significant assets, child custody disputes, and other high-stakes family law issues.

Drawing on his background in finance, statistics, and entrepreneurship, Chad helps clients navigate difficult legal and financial decisions with practical guidance, thoughtful strategy, and experienced courtroom advocacy when needed.

For more than 20 years, Chad has represented individuals and families throughout Denton County and North Texas. His practice includes divorce for business owners, high-net-worth divorce, complex property division, business valuation, paternity matters, and contested child custody cases. He also advises professional athletes, including NBA and NFL players, in sensitive family law matters requiring discretion, strategic planning, and careful risk management.

Chad’s financial background brings a business-minded perspective to divorce matters involving professional practices, privately held companies, executive compensation, and substantial marital estates. He works closely with clients to help them understand the financial implications of their options and develop practical strategies aligned with their personal and long-term financial goals.

Clients value Chad’s direct communication style and thoughtful approach to problem-solving. He believes the best legal strategies begin with understanding each client’s goals, helping them evaluate their options, make informed decisions, and move forward with confidence. His approach is often described as being “soft with clients and hard with the problem”—combining empathy with candid advice and practical solutions.

When litigation is necessary, Chad is an experienced trial lawyer with significant courtroom experience as lead counsel. He is a steady and effective advocate who works to protect his clients’ interests while helping position them for success beyond the legal process.

What Sets Him Apart

Financial and Business Acumen

With a background in finance, statistics, and entrepreneurship, Chad brings a sophisticated understanding of business valuation, executive compensation, ownership interests, and other financial issues that often shape the outcome of a divorce.

Extensive Trial Experience

Chad has significant courtroom experience as lead trial counsel, representing clients in matters involving child custody, complex property division, common-law marriage disputes, and other contested family law issues.

Experience Representing Professional Athletes

Chad has advised professional athletes, including NBA and NFL players, in prenuptial agreements, paternity matters, and other family law issues requiring discretion, careful planning, and strategic counsel.

Deep Denton County Roots

Chad grew up in Flower Mound and has represented clients throughout Denton County for more than two decades. His longstanding connection to the area gives clients the benefit of an attorney who understands the local courts, the legal community, and the issues many North Texas families face.

Practical, Strategic Guidance

Chad is known for combining direct communication, practical guidance, and thoughtful problem-solving with strong advocacy. He helps clients understand their options, develop a clear strategy, and move forward with confidence during challenging times.

Practice Focus

Chad focuses on family law matters involving complex financial issues and assets, business interests, and contested family disputes.

• Divorce for Business Owners. Drawing on his background in finance and entrepreneurship, Chad helps business owners navigate valuation, ownership, succession, and division issues that can affect both a company and a family.
• High Net Worth Divorce. Representation in divorces involving substantial marital estates, executive compensation, investment portfolios, real estate holdings, and other sophisticated financial assets.
• Complex Property Division. Guidance in matters involving separate and community property characterization, tracing, reimbursement claims, and other issues requiring detailed financial analysis.
• Business Valuation in Divorce. Counsel in disputes involving the valuation and division of closely held businesses, professional practices, partnership interests, and ownership interests.
• Child Custody and Conservatorship. Representation focused on protecting children’s well-being and helping families develop practical solutions that support long-term stability.
• Divorce Litigation. Strategic courtroom advocacy in contested matters involving complex financial issues, property disputes, and parenting conflicts that cannot be resolved through negotiation.
• Paternity Matters. Guidance in establishing and resolving parentage issues, including the sensitive, high-profile matters that arise for athletes and executive clients.

Recognition and Credentials

Chad has been recognized by Texas Super Lawyers, earning selection as a Rising Star before being named to the Texas Super Lawyers list from 2021 through 2025.

Before joining Goranson Bain Ausley, Chad spent more than two decades building a respected family law practice focused on complex divorce and custody matters throughout Denton County.

A graduate of Baylor University with a degree in Finance, Chad earned his law degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law and has been licensed in Texas since 2005. He is an active member of the Denton County Bar Association and has practiced regularly in Denton County courts throughout his career.

Beyond his legal practice, Chad grew up in Flower Mound near Grapevine Lake and has longstanding ties to the community he continues to serve today. His connection to the area provides valuable perspective on the families, businesses, and communities that shape his practice.

Client Reviews

Exceptional Family Law Representation – Chad Elsey is Outstanding. I cannot say enough positive things about my experience working with Chad. From the very first consultation, he was incredibly responsive, organized, and compassionate, while also being strategic and confident in his approach. He guided me through one of the most stressful and emotional times of my life and handled every aspect with precision, professionalism, and empathy. Chad was always punctual, prepared, and available to answer questions. I never once felt in the dark about what was happening or what to expect next. What truly set him apart was how protected and supported he made my family and me feel throughout the entire process. Chad fought hard for the right outcome, and because of his dedication and expertise, we achieved the best possible result. If you are looking for an attorney who genuinely cares about his clients, communicates clearly, and delivers exceptional results, Chad is the person you want in your corner. I am deeply grateful for everything he has done for my family and me. – Hayden L.