Esther Donald

Esther Donald

Goranson Bain Ausley, PLLC
  • Divorce, Family Law
  • Texas
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Biography

I believe that my clients and their families deserve a lawyer who listens closely, asks the right questions, and works tirelessly to exceed expectations. The high road is the best place to respectfully resolve family law disputes; it is my privilege to guide clients who want to walk this path. My clients and I set realistic goals, and use restraint and good judgment. We focus on interests rather than positions, considering all the options before moving forward.

We also utilize the collaborative process whenever possible, including in divorce, modification, and premarital agreements. It allows for customized co-parenting plans, transparent identification and valuation of assets, creative property division and support, and an atmosphere of confidentiality and respect.

Even if the collaborative process is not the right fit for a particular situation, my experience as a credentialed collaborative lawyer provides tools to resolve family law disputes outside the courtroom. Despite my strong commitment to the philosophy and practice of collaborative law, there are rare cases in which agreement is not possible. In these instances, I join forces with Goranson Bain Ausley's talented family law litigators.

Practice Areas
Divorce
Collaborative Law, Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
Family Law
Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
Additional Practice Areas
  • Alimony & Maintenance
  • Asset & Wealth Identification & Valuation
  • Child Custody & Visitation
  • Child Support
  • Complex Property Devision
  • Contempt & Enforcement
  • CPS Cases
  • Grandparent's Rights
  • Mediation
  • Modifications
  • Paternity
  • Post-Judgement Modifications and Enforcement
  • Premarital & Post-marital Agreements
  • Property Devision
  • Termination & Step-Parent Adoption
Video Conferencing
  • Zoom
Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Texas
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Education
University of Texas - Austin
J.D. (1988) | Law
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University of Texas - Austin
B.A. (1985) | English with Honors
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Awards
The Best Lawyers in America, Family Law
Best Lawyers
Awarded since 2017
The Best Lawyers in America, Collaborative Law, Family Law
Best Lawyers
Awarded since 2024
Texas Super Lawyer
Thomson Reuters
Awarded since 2016
Professional Associations
State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section  # 17275850
Member
Current
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Dallas Bar Association, Family Law Section
Current
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Collin County Bar Association, ADR/ Collaborative Law and Family Law Section
Current
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Collaborative Divorce Texas
Member
Current
Activities: Spring Course, 2016 and 2018 Basic Training, 2016 Advanced Training, 2018 and 2019
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Dallas Bar Association, Collaborative Law Section
Member
Current
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Texas Family Law Foundation
Member
Current
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Dallas Bar Association
Admissions & Membership Vice Chair
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Curt B. Henderson American Inn of Court
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Collaborative Divorce Collin County
Member
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Dallas Bar Association, Collaborative Law Section
Chair
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Annette Stewart Inn of Court
Member
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Dallas Bar Association, Collaborative Law Section
Vice Chair
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Dallas Bar Foundation
Fellow
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Dallas Bar Association, Collaborative Law Section
Vice Chair
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Certifications
Credentialed Collaborative Professional
Collaborative Divorce Texas
Websites & Blogs
Website
Attorney Profile
Website
Goranson Bain Ausley
Contact & Map
Goranson Bain Ausley
8350 N. Central Expressway
Suite 1700
Dallas, TX 75206
Telephone: (844) 961-4959