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Kathryn Murphy

Kathryn Murphy

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

A highly goal-oriented family attorney, Kathryn is skilled in answering one of the most important concerns clients have about divorce: seeing an efficient, satisfactory end to the process. Clients value Kathryn’s thoroughness, especially in complex property and child custody cases. Her expertise includes cases involving the valuation of a business, closely-held business interests, relocation, characterization of property, and premarital agreements.

In 2021, Kathryn was the recipient of one of the most coveted awards in Texas family law – the Sam Emison Award. Each year, this award is bestowed upon one exceptionally distinguished family law practitioner or judge who has demonstrated a significant commitment and made significant contributions to the practice of family law in the State of Texas. She has been included in The Best Lawyers in America© list in the field of Family Law and the Texas Super Lawyers list since 2003.

Education
Southern Methodist University
Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)
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The University of Texas School of Law
English, B.A., with Honors
The University of Texas School of Law Logo
Professional Experience
Partner
GoransonBain Ausley
- Current
Partner
Koons Fuller
-
Publications
Articles & Publications
Maintaining Separate Property Without a Marital Property Agreement
Division of Community & Separate Property in Texas Divorce
How To Tell Your Children You Are Getting Divorced: 5 Tips
Negotiation Principles, Techniques and Strategies
Dallas Bar Association Headnotes
The Gray Divorce: Baby Boomers Are Ending Marriages Later in Life
The Kids Are All Right: Be Prepared and Protect Children’s Best Interest
Evidentiary Issues in Family Law Cases
Dallas Bar Association Headnotes
Fraud on the Community and the Reconstituted Estate
Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas Winter Section Report
Family Law at Your Fingertips- Evidence
Ask the Expert – Divorce: Complex Property
D Magazine
Family Law at Your Fingertips- Children
State Bar of Texas
Family Law at Your Fingertips- Property
State Bar of Texas
Protecting Children from Incompetent Forensic Evaluations and Expert Testimony
Journal of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Protecting Your Assets From A Texas Divorce
Professional Solutions Group
Texas Family Law Practice Guide
West Publishing Company
Speaking Engagements
Marital Property Agreements, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Protective Orders, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Innovations in Child Custody Litigation
State Bar of Texas
Judges Panel Moderator and Course Director
Maintaining Separate Property Without a Marital Property Agreement, Dallas/Fort Worth Financial Planning Symposium
Also presented at 2021 Estate Planning Council of North Texas
Characterizing & Valuing Assets To Create an Inventory and Appraisement That Works for Your Client, (August 2020), Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Direct and Cross of Tracing Experts, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Reimbursement, Fraud, Waste, and the Reconstituted Estate, Marriage Dissolution Institute
State Bar of Texas
How to Draw Clients to the Collaborative Model and Keep them Satisfied, Collaborative Law: Avoid Breaking Bad When Breaking Up
State Bar of Texas
Trial of a Custody Case, Innovations: Breaking Boundaries in Custody Litigation
State Bar of Texas
Drafting: Are Your Pleadings and Discovery Ready for Trial?, Advanced Trial Skills for Family Lawyers
State Bar of Texas
Marital Agreements, New Frontiers in Marital Property Law
State Bar of Texas
Premarital and Postmarital Agreements, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Trial Presentation of a Custody Case, TAFLS Trial Institute
Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists
Marital Property Agreements, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
What's In Your Wallet? Property Case Law Update, Marriage Dissolution
State Bar of Texas
Characterization, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Negotiation Techniques and Strategies, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Judges Panel, Innovations - Breaking Boundaries in Child Custody Litigation
State Bar of Texas
Protective Orders and Family Violence
Southern Methodist University School of Law
Negotiation Techniques and Strategies, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Experts, Examination and Ethics- A Guide to Mental Health Experts, Innovations - Breaking Boundaries in Child Custody Litigation
Texas State Bar
Division of Property and Dividing Specific Assets
University of Houston Law Foundation
Turbo Charge Your Collaborative Practice, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Using a Computer Forensic Expert, Family Law Technology Course
State Bar of Texas
Property Update, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Characterization of Property, Family Law on the Front Lines
University of Texas School of Law
Attorneys Fees Agreements, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Family Law Update, Ten Hot Topics in Family Law, Bench Bar Conference
Collin County Bar Association
The Electronic Evidence Bible
University of Texas School of Law
Electronic Evidence Workshop, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Characterization, Marriage Dissolution Institute
State Bar of Texas
Electronic Evidence – Civil and Ethical Implications
University of Texas School of Law
Premarital Agreements
Collin County Bar Association
Temporary Support, Maintenance and Alimony, Marriage Dissolution Institute
State Bar of Texas
Collaborative Law, Panel of Texas Authors on Texas Collaborative Law
Relocation, Section of Family Law, Spring CLE Conference
American Bar Association
Marital Property 101, Spring Training
State Bar College
High Tech Evidence
Collin County Bar Association, Family Law Section
Child Support Update: Within and Outside the Guidelines, Marriage Dissolution Institute
State Bar of Texas
High Tech Evidence, Websites, Hard Drives, E-Mails, Etc., Advanced Family Law Drafting Course
State Bar of Texas
Relocation, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Psychological Testing
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Protecting Your Assets From A Texas Divorce
Professional Solutions Group
Relocation, “Nuts and Bolts” Family Law Training
Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program and Family Law Section
Child Support, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Relocation Debate, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Article won best Family Law article of the year award
High Tech Evidence, Websites, Hard drives, E-Mails, Etc
Williamson County
Opening Statements and Closing Argument, Ultimate Trial Notebook – Family Law
State Bar of Texas
Parentage: Establishing, Attacking & Undoing
Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists
Parentage: Current Issues
University of Houston Law Center
Family Law for the Non-Specialist
J. Reuben Clark Law Society
Objections at Trial
American Bar Association, Section of Family Law
Division of Property on Divorce
University of Houston Law Foundation
Business Valuations in Divorce and Cross-Examination of a Valuation Expert
merican Bar Association, Family Law Section
Opening Statement – Jury or Nonjury, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Family Law for the Non-Specialist
Dallas Bar Association
Update on Family Law
Dallas Women's Lawyers Association
Obtaining Records from Non-Parties, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Discovery Update, Advanced Family Law Course
State Bar of Texas
Opening and Closing the File, Family Law Conference for the General Practitioner and Legal Assistant
South Texas College of Law
Attorney’s Fees, Family Law Practice Institute
University of Houston
Discovery Update, Friday Clinic
Dallas Bar Association
Business Valuation in Divorce, Dallas Chapter Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants Fifth Annual Divorce Conference
Discovery, Family Law Training Seminar
Dallas Bar Association
Certifications
Board Certified in Family Law
Texas Board Of Legal Specialization
Awards
The Best Lawyers in America, Family Law Mediation
Best Lawyers
Awarded since 2024
The Best Lawyers in America, Collaborative Law, Family Law
Best Lawyers
Awarded since 2024
The Best Lawyers in America, Family Law
Best Lawyers
Awarded since 2003
500 Leading Family Lawyers List
LawDragon
Selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list
Thomson Reuters
Selected since 2003
Selected to the “Top 50: Women Texas Super Lawyers”
Thomson Reuters
Also awarded 2003 - 2022
Selected to the “Top 100: Dallas/ Fort Worth Super Lawyers”
Thomson Reuters
Also awarded in 2004 – 2009, 2011 – 2022
Selected to the “Top 100: Texas Super Lawyers”
Thomson Reuters
Also awarded 2004 – 2006, 2008-2009, 2011, and 2013- 2022
Selected to the “Best Lawyers in Dallas: Family Law”
D Magazine
Also awarded in 2001, 2005- 2010, and 2017-2020
The Sam Emison Award
Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists
Named the Best Lawyers© Family Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Dallas
Woodward and White Press
Also awarded in 2015 & 2017
Dan Price Award
State Bar of Texas
Distinguished Alumni Award
University of Texas Tyler
Serjeant of the Inn Award
Annette Stewart Inn of Court
Awarded to an attorney who has significantly contributed to the profession and the community throughout their career
Selected to the “Best Women Lawyers in Dallas: Family Law”
D Magazine
Selected to the “Best Personal Lawyers in Dallas: Family Law”
D Magazine
Best Family Law CLE article
State Bar of Texas
“AV Preeminent” Peer Review Rating
Martindale-Hubbell
Professional Associations
Dallas Bar Association, Family Law Section
Member
Current
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Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists
Member
Current
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State bar of Texas, Family Law Section
Family Law Council Member
Current
Activities: 2005 - present
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State bar of Texas, Family Law Section
Chair
Current
Activities: 2016 - 2017
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State bar of Texas, Family Law Section
Member
Current
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Texas Bar Foundation
Fellow
Current
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Plano Bar Association
Member
Current
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International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Member
Current
Activities: 2015 - present
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Texas Bar Foundation
Nominating Committee
Current
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The Balancing Act
Member
Current
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Texas Family Law Foundation
Lifetime Fellow
Current
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Denton County Bar Association, Family Law Section
Member
Current
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Texas Chapter of the Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Fellow
Current
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Dallas Bar Association
Fee Dispute Committee Member
Current
Activities: 1998 - 2000
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Dallas Bar Association, Collaborative Law Section
Member
Current
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Collin County Bench Bar Foundation
Fellow
Current
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Collin County Bench Bar Conference
Co-CHair
Current
Activities: 2001
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Collin County Bar Association, Family Law Section
Member
Current
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College of the State Bar of Texas
Member
Current
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Collaborative Divorce Texas (f/k/a Collaborative Law Institute of Texas)
Member
Current
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Collaborative Divorce Dallas (f/k/a The Collaborative Alliance)
Member
Current
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CASA of Collin County Advisory Board
Board Member
Current
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American College of Trial Lawyers
Diplomate
Current
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Annette Stewart Inn of Court
Member
Current
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American Bar Association, Family Law Section
Member
Current
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State Bar of Texas Board of Directors
Member
Current
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American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - Texas Chapter
Fellow
Current
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American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Fellow
- Current
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Collin County Bench Bar Conference
Program Committee
- Current
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American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Board of Governors
-
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Annette Stewart Inn of Court
Board Member
-
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American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - Texas Chapter
Past-President
-
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Grievance Committee, District 1A
Chair
-
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Grievance Committee, District 1A
Member
-
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DAYL People’s Law School
Co-Chair
-
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Southeastern Paralegal Institute
Instructor
-
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Texas
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Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
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
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Websites & Blogs
Website
Company Website
Blog
GB Blog
Videos
Meet Texas High-Net-Worth Divorce Attorney, Kathryn J. Murphy Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:15 - Why Kathryn Practices Family Law 00:00:30 - Kathryn's Experience 00:00:57 - Kathryn's Clients & Their Goals... Meet Kathryn J. Murphy: Top High-Net-Worth Divorce Lawyer In Plano, Texas

Meet Texas High-Net-Worth Divorce Attorney, Kathryn J. Murphy Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:15 - Why Kathryn Practices Family Law 00:00:30 - Kathryn's Experience 00:00:57 - Kathryn's Clients & Their Goals...

Dallas family attorney Kathryn Murphy explains how a premarital agreement can impact a marriage and a divorce. It can alter how property is determined and assist with the issues that occur surrounding money both in a divorce and while still married. It is recommended to see an experience family lawyer if considering marriage to find out if a premarital agreement may be right for you. Do I Need a Premarital Agreement in Texas?

Dallas family attorney Kathryn Murphy explains how a premarital agreement can impact a marriage and a divorce. It can alter how property is determined and assist with the issues that occur surrounding money both in a divorce and while still married. It is recommended to see an experience family lawyer if considering marriage to find out if a premarital agreement may be right for you.

Family attorney Kathryn Murphy explains how the court reaches an agreement in dividing both parties' assets during a divorce settlement.  The Texas Family Code states that the court has to divide all community assets in a manner that is deemed "just and right." In some cases, "just and right" does not necessarily mean 50/50. The court can divide the assets 60/40, 70/30, or another percentage depending on the facts and circumstances of the case. How a Court Reaches a Decision When Dividing Assets

Family attorney Kathryn Murphy explains how the court reaches an agreement in dividing both parties' assets during a divorce settlement. The Texas Family Code states that the court has to divide all community assets in a manner that is deemed "just and right." In some cases, "just and right" does not necessarily mean 50/50. The court can divide the assets 60/40, 70/30, or another percentage depending on the facts and circumstances of the case.

When it comes to dividing property during a divorce, the third step is to determine the value of the assets. In this video, Dallas divorce attorney Kathryn Murphy explains how this is determined.   In many cases, property valuation is a very easy step. Bank statements can show what the value of a bank account is. We can hire an appraiser or agree on a value of houses or real estate, or we can obtain comparables from realtors. How to Determine the Value of Your Assets

When it comes to dividing property during a divorce, the third step is to determine the value of the assets. In this video, Dallas divorce attorney Kathryn Murphy explains how this is determined. In many cases, property valuation is a very easy step. Bank statements can show what the value of a bank account is. We can hire an appraiser or agree on a value of houses or real estate, or we can obtain comparables from realtors.

After we identify all the assets in a divorce, the next step is to characterize them as separate property or community property. In this video, divorce attorney Kathryn Murphy explains just how this process works.  It is important to know what is considered separate or community property in your divorce, because the court can only divide community property. If one spouse proves that certain assets are his or her separate property, those assets go off the chart when we are talking about dividing What is Separate and Community Property?

After we identify all the assets in a divorce, the next step is to characterize them as separate property or community property. In this video, divorce attorney Kathryn Murphy explains just how this process works. It is important to know what is considered separate or community property in your divorce, because the court can only divide community property. If one spouse proves that certain assets are his or her separate property, those assets go off the chart when we are talking about dividing

When going through a divorce, there are four steps to dividing assets. However, before we can begin, we must first identify all of the assets. Divorce lawyer Kathryn Murphy explains.  In some cases, spouses complete and sign, under oath, a document called an Inventory and Appraisement. This inventory is a listing of all of your assets and liabilities. How to Identify Assets in a Divorce

When going through a divorce, there are four steps to dividing assets. However, before we can begin, we must first identify all of the assets. Divorce lawyer Kathryn Murphy explains. In some cases, spouses complete and sign, under oath, a document called an Inventory and Appraisement. This inventory is a listing of all of your assets and liabilities.

Kathryn is a family law and divorce attorney at GoransonBain Ausley in Plano, Texas. She takes a very rational and goal-oriented approach to family law. She excels in complicated property matters such as business valuations, characterizations of property, and child custody matters. Her expertise and talents help navigate clients through the divorce process in the most efficient, productive way possible. Kathryn Murphy, Family Law and Divorce Attorney in Plano, Texas

Kathryn is a family law and divorce attorney at GoransonBain Ausley in Plano, Texas. She takes a very rational and goal-oriented approach to family law. She excels in complicated property matters such as business valuations, characterizations of property, and child custody matters. Her expertise and talents help navigate clients through the divorce process in the most efficient, productive way possible.

Contact & Map
Goranson Bain Ausley
Plano Office
7160 N. Dallas Parkway
Suite 650
Plano, TX 75024
Telephone: (844) 961-4959
Goranson Bain Ausley
Midland Office
223 W. Wall Street
Suite 251
Midland, TX 79701
Telephone: (844) 961-4959