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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Divorce Discovery in Texas and How to Prepare March 6, 2026
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
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.
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
