Esther Donald
Goranson Bain Ausley, PLLC
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.
- 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
- Alimony & Maintenance
- Asset & Wealth Identification & Valuation
- Child Custody & Visitation
- Child Support
- Complex Property Devision
- Credit Cards Accepted
- Texas
- English: Spoken, Written
- University of Texas - Austin
- J.D. (1988) | Law
- University of Texas - Austin
- B.A. (1985) | English with Honors
- 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
- State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section  # 17275850
- Member
- Current
- Dallas Bar Association, Family Law Section
- Current
- Collin County Bar Association, ADR/ Collaborative Law and Family Law Section
- Current
- Collaborative Divorce Texas
- Member
- Current
- Activities: Spring Course, 2016 and 2018 Basic Training, 2016 Advanced Training, 2018 and 2019
- Dallas Bar Association, Collaborative Law Section
- Member
- Current
- Out of the Shadows: Incorporating Adult Children into the Collaborative Divorce Process
- Collaborative Law Course
- Disproportionate Division and Spousal Maintenance for the Non-Monied Spouse
- Advanced Family Law
- Credentialed Collaborative Professional
- Collaborative Divorce Texas