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Jonathan James

“When the financial stakes and emotions are high, I bring a steady resolve and strong advocacy to help clients achieve their goals.”

Phone 214-473-9696 Plano | Dallas

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Constructive Solutions for Complex Family Law Matters

I represent business owners, professionals, and parents who want to resolve complex family law matters in the least destructive manner possible. While managing all aspects of family law, I have a strong focus on cases involving complicated property and challenging real estate investments, contested custody disputes and modifications, and pre-marital and post-marital agreements. Whether in the courtroom or through out-of-court settlement, my goal is to protect children from the conflict of divorce and preserve financial assets for the future.

Here’s how:

  • Customize a plan for each client that considers the unique and dynamic factors of their situation, whether that be a contested custody case, a complex property or real estate division, or pre-marital agreement.
  • Serve clients with an unmatched work ethic, integrity, and thorough preparation to achieve the best possible outcome.
  • Use Collaborative Divorce, mediation, negotiation, or litigation, depending on the approach that best meets clients’ needs.
  • Synthesize and explain complex legal issues to empower clients to make informed decisions throughout their case.
  • Educate and prepare clients for each step of the process, so they feel more in control and secure about their future.

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Professional Credentials

Jonathan is a highly skilled litigator and negotiator in high-conflict legal situations who consistently receives praise from clients for his integrity, professionalism, and responsiveness. He has extensive experience handling cases related to Collaborative Divorce, negotiated, and litigated divorce, complex property, and real estate division, contested custody, mental health and addiction issues, and pre- and post-marital agreements.

Jonathan is trained in Collaborative Divorce and is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in family law. He has been named D Magazine’s Best Lawyers Under 40 in 2023 and 2025, a Best Lawyers in America © by Best Lawyers in 2020, 2021, and 2023 – 2025, and a Super Lawyers Rising Star From 2019 – 2022.

Jonathan invests his time doing pro bono work for victims of domestic violence in partnership with Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support and Emily’s Place. He is a member of the Annette Stewart American Inn of Court and the Dallas Bar Association Family Law Section. Jonathan also frequently writes on family law topics for the Texas Bar Journal, the Dallas Bar Association Headnotes, and the State Bar of Texas Family Law Section.

Jonathan James is a Dallas divorce lawyer working out of our Dallas and Plano office locations.

Client Reviews

I greatly appreciate everything Jonathan James, his assistants, and this office has done for my family and I. If needed in the future I’d love for him to represent me again. I would definitely recommend Jonathan James and I too will refer family and friends or anyone in need of legal assistance. The process was smooth from beginning to end and my favorite part of the process was the communication. It was easy to reach him through email or call and he got back to me in a quick and timely manner. – McKinnley H.
Jonathan James came as a recommendation from a friend and I’m so grateful! […] He never treated me like I was just another case. He was organized, timely and thorough. His attention to detail was outstanding. I’ve worked with multiple attorneys and Jonathan hands down has been the best one! I cannot recommend him enough if you are dealing with anything family law related. – Jena D.
I am extremely thankful to have worked alongside Jonathan James as he helped me navigate a difficult situation in my life. He walked the fine line of showing compassion to all parties involved while continuing to be my advocate throughout the entire process. I am confident that the outcome would have been different had Jonathan not been there to guide me and serve as my representation. – Jordan H.
I worked with Jonathan James for a family law matter, and he was fantastic! He was very prompt to answer any questions (more so than any other attorney of any type I have ever worked with), made things very clear, and presented me with lots of options for how to handle my situation. – Jason G.
Jonathan James and his assistant Tom were such a joy to work with on the finalization of our adoption. Professional, communicative, helpful, and a clear voice in a potentially confusing process. I cannot recommend hiring them enough. Thank you so very much for all your help and expertise! – Abby H.
So thankful they were able to help me right away. Jonathan James was so great at explaining everything to me. No “lawyer speak”. – Sherry B.
Divorce may be the most trying time of anyone’s life. It’s physically draining, an emotional roller coaster, and mentally exhausting. Thankfully I was represented by an amazing attorney, Jonathan James. During this time in your life when nothing makes much since, Jonathan looked out for me and my best interest. What was most important to me was keeping my income. He did just that. As a business owner, Jonathan made sure my business and earnings remained in my control . . . He’s an ethical attorney with morals that has an excellent understanding and execution of family law. He’s two moves ahead, always. His knowledge of the law put my mind at ease throughout the divorce process. I never doubted him, not once. Jonathan got me everything I needed. I highly recommend Jonathan James at Goranson Bain Ausley for your family law needs. You won’t be disappointed. – Shawn S.
Very helpful in a very frustrating time in my life, the professionalism Jonathan handled my situation with was amazing, I could not be more grateful. – Alan J.
Throughout a very stressful time, Jonathan James demonstrated incredible empathy and professionalism, guiding me through my divorce. He was always available to answer my questions and worked tirelessly through everything thrown at us. I highly recommend Jonathan and Goranson Bain Ausley. – Tonya V.
Grateful for Jonathan’s counsel and representation during a family law case. His integrity, authenticity, knowledge and experience is unrivaled! Highly recommend!! – Claude S.

Interests

Born and raised in Plano, Texas, Jonathan attended Canyon Creek Christian Academy. After completing his undergraduate degree at Baylor University, he attended Texas Wesleyan School of Law (now Texas A&M School of Law) in Fort Worth.

Jonathan and his wife Emily are high school sweethearts and have two sons and a daughter. When not consuming content from numerous podcasts, articles, and the news, Jonathan is an active member of his church and enjoys participating in community service projects and trivia nights, playing golf, and playing bass guitar on the worship team.

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