Co-Managing Partner | Goranson Bain Ausley
Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
A Smarter, Financially Responsible Divorce
Thomas A. Greenwald is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a co-managing partner at Goranson Bain Ausley, with more than 30 years of experience handling complex, high-net-worth divorce cases in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. He represents professionals, executives, and business owners seeking financially responsible, strategic divorce solutions and has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America® as Lawyer of the Year for Family Law and Family Law Mediation in 2026.
In his own words, Tom approaches divorce with a focus on judgment, clarity, and long-term outcomes:
I represent successful professionals, executives, business owners, and their spouses who want to approach divorce with the same care and discipline they have applied to their financial and professional lives. Many of my clients are involved in high-net-worth divorces and are focused on protecting assets, minimizing unnecessary conflict, and making decisions that will hold up over time.
In addition to my work in complex financial cases, I also represent clients in Christian divorce matters, helping them navigate the divorce process in a way that aligns with their faith, values, and desire to act with integrity. My goal is to help clients find efficient, constructive solutions that preserve financial stability and allow for workable relationships moving forward—especially when children are involved.
How I Work With Clients
Divorce often combines emotional stress with high-stakes financial decisions. In my experience, the best outcomes come from clarity, planning, and steady judgment. When working with clients, I focus on:
- Helping clients acknowledge emotions while understanding where feelings can cloud good decision-making
- Listening carefully to each client’s unique goals, priorities, and family dynamics
- Negotiating skillfully with opposing counsel, with a reputation for honesty and professionalism
- Avoiding unnecessary legal expenses through a strategic, planned approach to resolution
- Advocating for solutions that serve the client’s best interests and reflect what is right—not just what is legally possible
Featured Video
Professional Credentials & Experience
Legal Expertise
Thomas A. Greenwald is one of the most experienced family law attorneys in North Texas, with more than 30 years of family law experience. He is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction earned by a small percentage of Texas family lawyers.
Tom has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America® as “Lawyer of the Year” in Family Law (2018, 2026) and Family Law Mediation (2026) for Dallas/Fort Worth. He has also been named Best Lawyers in Dallas: Family Law by D Magazine eight times and cited as a Top 100 Texas Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters.
He regularly handles complex divorce and custody matters involving substantial assets, interstate issues, and appellate considerations. Tom is particularly well-equipped to manage cases involving high-conflict personalities, mental health challenges, addiction, and emotionally charged custody and child support disputes, always with a focus on outcomes that serve the children’s best interests.
Financial & Business Background
Before practicing law, Tom worked for IBM and earned a B.B.A. with a specialization in finance. As co-managing partner of the Plano office of Goranson Bain Ausley, he brings real-world business leadership experience to divorce cases involving:
- Complex property division
- Closely held businesses and private company interests
- Business valuations
- Executive and complex compensation structures
This financial and business background allows Tom to approach divorce with the same strategic discipline his clients apply to managing risk, evaluating options, and planning for the future.
Collaborative Divorce, Mediation & Litigation
Tom is trained in Collaborative Divorce, is a credentialed mediator, and has extensive experience as a trial and appellate lawyer. When appropriate, he helps clients resolve their cases outside of court through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative processes. When litigation is necessary, he is fully prepared to advocate effectively at every stage of the case.
In practice, early strategic planning often reduces long-term conflict and helps preserve both financial stability and important family relationships.
Christian Divorce Representation
Tom also has significant experience representing clients in Christian divorce matters, assisting those who want their legal decisions to reflect their faith, values, and commitment to integrity. He works with clients who seek respectful, constructive solutions—particularly when children and long-term family relationships are a priority.
Leadership, Recognition & Service
In addition to his legal practice, Tom is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and has authored and presented numerous articles on family law topics, including legislative updates, discovery rules, custody issues, and property division. He is widely respected for his professionalism, judgment, and integrity by both clients and fellow attorneys.
Whether a client is hoping to resolve a divorce outside of court or preparing for complex litigation, Thomas A. Greenwald of Goranson Bain Ausley brings experience, clarity, and steady leadership to help clients make sound decisions during one of life’s most difficult transitions.
Services
Services
- Divorce
- Collaborative Divorce
- High-Conflict Divorce
- Mental Health and Addiction in Divorce
- Negotiated Divorce
- Divorce Mediation
- High Net Worth Divorce
- Property Division
- Complex Property
- Dividing the Marital Home
- Characterization of Separate and Community Property
- Divorce for Business Owners
- Business Valuation in Divorce
- Divorce for Men
- Divorce for Women
- Child Support
- Child Custody
- Parenting Schedules
- Visitation Rights
- Becoming a Foster Parent
- Grandparent Visitation and Custody Rights in Texas
- Modification and Enforcement
- Paternity
- Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
- Family Law/Divorce Appeals
- Alimony & Spousal Maintenance
- Litigated Divorce
- Flat-Fee Divorce
- Contested Divorce
- Uncontested Divorce
- Pre-Divorce Guidance
- Cohabitation Agreements
- Gray Divorce
- Adoption
- Modifying Child Support
Honors & Awards
Honors & Awards
- Named the Best Lawyers© Family Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Dallas/Fort Worth, Best Lawyers, 2018 & 2026
- Named the Best Lawyers© Family Law Mediation “Lawyer of the Year” in Dallas/Fort Worth, Best Lawyers, 2026
- Selected to the “Best Lawyers in Dallas: Family Law”, D Magazine, 2002 – 2003, 2007-2009, and 2011 – 2012, 2018, 2022
- Selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list, Thomson Reuters, 2003-2025
- Selected to the “Top 100: Texas Super Lawyers”, Thomson Reuters, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2017 – 2019, 2021-2024
- Selected to the “Top 100: Dallas/Fort Worth Super Lawyers”, Thomson Reuters, 2005, and 2008 – 2025
- Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the field of Family Law, Best Lawyers, 2005 – 2026
- Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the field of Family Law Mediation, Best Lawyers, 2023 – 2026
- Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the field of Collaborative Law: Family Law, Best Lawyers, 2024 – 2026
- Named to the 500 Leading Family Lawyers List, LawDragon, 2024 – 2026
- Selected for inclusion in the list of “Ten Leaders in Divorce Law Age 45 & Under – Dallas Forth Worth”, The Ten Leaders Cooperative, 2002 – 2012
- Presidential Citation for Outstanding Leadership, Dallas Bar Association, 2005
- AV Preeminent® Rating in Martindale-Hubbell
Articles
Articles
- When a Divorce Ruling Doesn’t Go Your Way: Understanding Family Law Appeals in Texas October 31, 2025
- Divorce and Depression March 25, 2025
- How Does a Narcissist Behave During a Divorce and After? March 3, 2025
- How to Co-Parent with a Narcissist December 13, 2024
- How to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Divorce Appeal October 8, 2024
- How to Protect Your Business in a Divorce: What Can Happen and How You Can Mitigate the Effects September 9, 2024
- Can I Spy on My Spouse if I Suspect They Are Cheating? August 23, 2024
- How to Prepare for a Divorce Deposition and Tips for Testifying in Family Court May 30, 2024
- How to Keep Your Business and Compensate Your Spouse During Divorce Negotiations April 30, 2024
- How Can I Protect My Children’s Inheritance in a Divorce? April 23, 2024
- How to Protect the Future of Your Business in a Divorce April 8, 2024
- Minimizing Your Divorce Cost in Texas With a Flat-Fee Divorce April 4, 2024
- FAQs About Drug Testing in Family Law Cases March 12, 2024
- What You Need to Know Before You Divorce a Narcissist March 12, 2024
- How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost? November 11, 2022
- Different Roles of a Mental Health Professional in Custody Cases May 11, 2022
- Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets During Your Divorce? January 26, 2022
- The Divorce Journey: Taking the Responsible, Affordable Path November 9, 2021
- How to Prepare for Your Divorce Consultation August 9, 2021
- A Little Known Process for Divorce That Can Save You Money April 9, 2019
- 5 Tips for Dealing with High Conflict Personalities During Divorce January 24, 2019
- How will the Government Shutdown affect my Divorce? January 10, 2019
- What Do I Need to Do After My Divorce is Final? September 24, 2014
Publications & Speeches
Publications & Speeches
- Thomas Greenwald was recently quoted in an Associated Press Article, Divorce Dilemma: Texas Says Gays Can’t Get Divorced.
- Thomas Greenwald’s byline article, Divorce and the Stay-At-Home Mom, published by Huffington Post.
- Thomas Greenwald’s byline article, Finding a Family Law Attorney, published by Huffington Post.
Videos & Podcasts
Videos
- How Should I Approach Divorce as a Christian?
- Strategies for a Successful Divorce
- How to Ensure an Efficient Divorce Process: Do’s and Don’ts
- Strategies to Protect Your Financial Assets During a Divorce
- How to Navigate a High-Conflict Divorce
- How Do You Deal with a High Conflict Divorce in Texas?
- How Do Mental Health Issues Impact Family Law Cases?
- What is a High-Conflict Personality?
Podcasts
- Is My Spouse Hiding Money?
- Dealing with a High Conflict Personality
- Does Your Spouse Have a High Conflict Personality?
- Forensic or Therapeutic? Differences Between Types of Mental Health Professionals
- Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Counselors, Oh My! The Different Types of Mental Health Professionals
- Best Practices for Side Barring Emotion While Valuing Businesses During Divorce
Presentations
Presentations
- Recusal & Disqualification of Texas Judges, Advanced Family Law Course, State Bar of Texas, 2016
- What to Expect from Your Family Law Lawyer, Single Side Up! Single Parent Group, 2016
- Drug and Alcohol Issues: Handling Addicted Clients, Admissibility of Test Results, and Protection and Use of Records in Court, 40th Annual Advanced Family Law Course, State Bar of Texas 2014
- A Life of Significance, National Honor Society – Keynote Speaker, Lovejoy High School 2014
- How to Avoid Grievances, Malpractice Claims, and Breach of Fiduciary Claims, 39th Annual Advanced Family Law Course, State Bar of Texas, 2013
- Drug Testing – Use and Defense, 38th Annual Advanced Family Law Course, State Bar of Texas, 2012
- Article, Divorce and the Stay-At-Home Mom, published by Huffington Post.
- Article, Finding a Family Law Attorney, published by Huffington Post.
- TAFLS Trial Institute, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, 2011
- Collaborative Law and Premarital, Postmarital and Cohabitation Agreements, Collaborative Law Alliance of Collin County, 2010
- The Future of Premarital, Postmarital and Cohabitation Agreements, New Frontiers in Marital Property Law, Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, 2010
- Tom Greenwald was recently quoted in an Associated Press Article, Divorce dilemma: Texas Says Gays Can’t Get Divorced.
- Models of Effective Presentations and Visual Persuasion: The Effective Use of Trial Aids, Demonstrative Aids, and Summaries, Collin County Bench/Bar Conference, Collin County Bench Bar Foundation, 2009
- Models of Effective Presentations, Family Law on the Front Lines Conference, University of Texas School of Law, 2009
- Evidentiary and Discovery Issues in Family Law Cases, State Bar of Texas, 2009
- Building a Bridge in 20 Minutes or Less – Tips for an Effective 20 Minute Temporary Hearing, Collin County Bench Bar Conference, Collin County Bench Bar Foundation, 2008
- Depositions: The Devil is in the Details, New Jersey Lawyer, 2005
- Depositions, 30th Annual Advanced Family Law Course, State Bar of Texas, 2004
- Economic Contribution, Family Law on the Front Lines Conference, The University of Texas School of Law, 2004
- Default Divorce, Headnotes, Dallas Bar Association, 2004
- Uncontested Divorce, Headnotes, Dallas Bar Association, 2004
- Preparing Clients for Depositions, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2003
- Decrees and Orders, 29th Annual Advanced Family Law Course, Boot Camp, State Bar of Texas, 2003
- Expert Deposition and Trial Preparation – Custody Issues in Texas, Lorman Education Services, 2003
- Legislative Update, Family Law Section, Dallas Bar Association, 2001
- Discovery Problems, 26th Annual Advanced Family Law Course, State Bar of Texas, 2000
- Preparing for the Family Law Specialization Exam, 26th Annual Advanced Family Law Course, State Bar of Texas, 2000
- Legislative Update, Family Law Section, Dallas Bar Association, 1999
- Preparing for the Family Law Specialization Exam, 25th Annual Advanced Family Law Course, State Bar of Texas, 1999
- Revised Texas Civil Discovery Rules, Texas Family Law Practice for Paralegals, Half Moon LLC, 1999
- A Guide to the New Texas Rules of Civil Discovery, Family Law Section, Dallas Bar Association, 1999
- Preparing for the Family Law Specialization Exam, 24th Annual Advanced Family Law Course, State Bar of Texas, 1998
- Rebutting the JMC Presumption – What the Judge Must Hear, 24th Annual Advanced Family Law Course, State Bar of Texas, 1998
- Family Law Case Update, Family Law Section, Dallas Bar Association, 1998
- Legislative Update, Family Law Section, Dallas Bar Association, 1997
- Peoples’ Law School, Peoples’ Law School Committee, Dallas Bar Association, 1997
- Family Law Legislative Update, Family Law Section, Dallas Bar Association, 1997
- Family Law and Proposed Legislation, Plano Independent Child Care Association, 1997
- Offensive Use of Collateral Witnesses in a Relocation Case, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, 1997
- Basic Pleadings in Family Law Cases, Pro Bono Family Law Training, Dallas Bar Association, 1996
- Transfer Documents – From Aircraft to Zebras, Advanced Family Law Course for Legal Assistants and Other Legal Professionals, State Bar of Texas, 1996
- Courthouse Decorum, Courthouse Policy and Attorney Ethics, Family Law Section Bench-Bar Conference, Dallas Bar Association, 1996
- The Cutting Edge of Reimbursement, 18th Annual Marriage Dissolution Institute, State Bar of Texas, 1996
- Family Law Case Update, Family Law Section, Dallas Bar Association, 1996
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Fellow
- American Bar Association
- Member
- Christian Trial Lawyers Association
- Member
- Collaborative Divorce Texas (f/k/a Collaborative Law Institute of Texas)
- Former Member
- Collin County Bar Association
- Member
- Collin County Bench Bar Foundation
- Fellow
- Committee for a Qualified Judiciary
- Former Member
- Curt B. Henderson American Inn of Court
- Former Member
- Dallas Bar Association
- Member
- Dallas Bar Foundation
- Fellow
- State Bar of Texas
- Member
- Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists
- Member
- Texas Bar Foundation
- Life Fellow
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization Family Law Advisory Commission
- Former Member
- Texas Family Law Foundation
- Member
Education
Education
- Texas Tech University School of Law, 1992
- J.D., Law
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1987
- B.B.A., Finance
Bar Admissions
Bar Admissions
- Texas, 1992
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas

