How much does it cost to hire Jonathan for a adoption case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jonathan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Jonathan offer a free consultation?

Jonathan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jonathan's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Jonathan's current terms during booking.

How long do adoption cases in Texas typically take?

Simple adoption matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Jonathan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Jonathan take my case if I'm outside Plano?

Jonathan is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Jonathan will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Jonathan?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Jonathan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Jonathan accepting new adoption clients right now?

Jonathan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Jonathan James, Adoption Attorney in Plano, Texas

Over 14 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody

PartneratGoranson Bain Ausley Family Law

Plano, TX

Practicing adoption in Plano since 2012.

14+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Adoption Alimony Child Custody Child Support Civil Rights Divorce +6 more →

Are you Jonathan James?

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Quick answer

Jonathan James is a partner based in Plano, TX. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody. Jonathan has over 14 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Goranson Bain Ausley Family Law.

Based in: Plano, TX
Experience: over 14 years
Known for: Adoption · Alimony · Child Custody

Handles Adoption, Alimony, and Child Custody matters from Plano, TX.
Over 14 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Jonathan's practice areas in Plano

Jonathan concentrates on adoption, alimony, child custody, child support, and civil rights. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jonathan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in Plano, Texas

Jonathan takes adoption matters in Plano, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jonathan agrees to represent you.

Alimony cases in Plano, Texas

Jonathan takes alimony matters in Plano, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jonathan agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Plano, Texas

Jonathan takes child custody matters in Plano, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jonathan agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Plano, Texas

Jonathan takes child support matters in Plano, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jonathan agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Plano, Texas

Jonathan takes civil rights matters in Plano, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jonathan agrees to represent you.

Biography

Jonathan James, adoption attorney serving Plano

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, 2025 and 2026, a Best Lawyers in America © by Best Lawyers in 2020, 2021, and 2023 – 2026, and a Super Lawyers Rising Star From 2019 – 2022 & 2025.

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.

Honors & Awards

Best Lawyers Under 40, D Magazine, 2023, 2025, & 2026

The Best Lawyers in America© in the field of Collaborative Law: Family Law, Best Lawyers, 2024 – 2026

The Best Lawyers in America©, Best Lawyers, 2020-2021, 2023 – 2026

Rising Star, Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2019-2022 & 2025

Articles

What Makes a Good Family Lawyer? September 18, 2025

Deeds, Mortgages, and Property Division: Getting a Divorce With the House in Both Names or Just One July 15, 2025

Buying a House During a Divorce in Texas: What You Need to Know July 3, 2025

Post-Marital and Premarital Agreements: The Gold Standard for Protecting Assets May 13, 2025

Tips for Effective Communication During a Divorce October 28, 2024

Five Tips for How to Protect Your Separate Property in a Divorce October 11, 2024

What Happens to Debt in a Divorce? October 11, 2024

What Are My Rights if I Leave the Marital Home? Problems With Moving Out Before Divorce April 17, 2024

What Should I Do to Differentiate My Personal Assets from Those of My Business? January 9, 2024

How Can I Protect My Business from Being Considered Marital Property During the Divorce Process? December 19, 2023

Who Typically Gets the House in a Texas Divorce and What to do if You Want to Keep the House April 24, 2023

Five Important Tips Before You File for Divorce November 16, 2022

What An Experienced Attorney Brings to Your High Net Worth Divorce July 20, 2022

Who Gets the House in a Divorce? September 29, 2021

Publications & Speeches

Co-Author, “Five Tips to Protect and Maintain Your Separate Property”, Dallas Bar Association Headnotes, September 2019.

Author, “Right of First Refusal in Custody Cases”, State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section Report, Volume 2017-6 (Winter).

Author, “Custody Fight: When Grandparents or Other Relatives Seek Parental Rights”, Texas Bar Journal, November 2017

Author, “Kid Duty: The Right of First Refusal in Custody Cases and How it Can Backfire”, Texas Bar Journal, July 2017.

How Jonathan handles adoption matters

Who Jonathan represents

Jonathan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, alimony, and child custody matters in Plano and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Jonathan studied and practices

Texas Wesleyan School of Law
J.D. · 2012
Baylor University
B.A. · 2009

Jurisdictions

Jonathan's state bar admissions

Texas
2012 · ACTIVE

Jonathan studied at J.D. in Texas Wesleyan School of Law and B.A. in Baylor University.

Law school and academic background

Jonathan completed J.D. in Texas Wesleyan School of Law and B.A. in Baylor University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jonathan runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Jonathan's professional memberships and bar associations

Annette Stewart American Inn of Court, Member Collin County Bar Association, Member Dallas Bar Association, Member Dallas Bar Association, Family Law Section, Member State Bar of Texas, Member State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section, Member
membership

Locations

Jonathan James's office in Plano

Jonathan's primary office is at 7160 N. Dallas Parkway, Suite 650, Plano, TX, 75024. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Goranson Bain Ausley Family Law

7160 N. Dallas Parkway, Suite 650

Plano, TX 75024

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Jonathan James

Jonathan has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Jonathan James — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adoption attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jonathan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Jonathan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jonathan's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Jonathan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Plano, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Jonathan

Jonathan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adoption practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adoption matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Jonathan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Jonathan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adoption practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Jonathan James

How much does it cost to hire Jonathan for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jonathan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jonathan offer a free consultation?
Jonathan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jonathan's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Jonathan's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in Texas typically take?
Simple adoption matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Jonathan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jonathan take my case if I'm outside Plano?
Jonathan is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Jonathan will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Jonathan?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Jonathan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jonathan accepting new adoption clients right now?
Jonathan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Adoption attorneys serving Plano, Houston and Dallas in Texas

Jonathan handles adoption matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Jonathan's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in Plano handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.