Kristal Thomson - San Antonio, TX
Attorney at Goranson Bain Ausley, PLLC
Divorce Lawyers in San Antonio, TX
112 E. Pecan St. Suite 2630 San Antonio, TX 78205
- Free Consultation
San Antonio Divorce Lawyer
Updated: 06/02/2026
Areas of Practice
- Divorce
- Collaborative Divorce
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Adoption
- Parenting Schedules
- Modifying Child Support
- Modification and Enforcement
- High Net Worth Divorce
- Family Partner Violence And Divorce
- Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
- Divorce for Women
- Divorce for Men
- Divorce for Business Owners
- Paternity
- Amicable Divorce
- High-Conflict Divorce
- Complex Property
- Characterization of Separate and Community Property
- Mental Health and Addiction in Divorce
- Business Valuation in Divorce
- Grandparent Visitation and Custody Rights in Texas
- Alimony & Spousal Maintenance
- Contested Divorce
- Litigated Divorce
- Divorce Mediation
- Gray Divorce
- Pre-Divorce Guidance
- Negotiated Divorce
- Uncontested Divorce
- Cohabitation Agreements
- Property Division
- Visitation Rights
- Dividing the Marital Home
- Military Divorce
- LGBT Divorce
- LGBT Adoption
- LGBT Parenting Rights
Attorney Information
Overview
Kristal Thomson is a partner in Goranson Bain Ausley, PLLC’s San Antonio office and one of the most credentialed family law attorneys in Texas. She is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization — a distinction held by fewer than three percent of Texas attorneys — and a Diplomate of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only honor limited to 100 of the top family law trial lawyers in the United States. With more than 20 years of experience, she advises business owners, executives, and professionals through divorce involving significant estates, complex financial structures, and sensitive family dynamics.
Her practice is built around the financial complexity that defines high-asset cases: trust characterization, separate and community property tracing, business valuation disputes, reimbursement claims, and above-guideline child support. She develops strategy from the outset, whether the path is negotiation, Collaborative Divorce, or full litigation — and brings the local court knowledge that comes from more than two decades of practice in San Antonio’s courts.
Kristal’s approach is deliberately measured. Her goal is strategic: identifying where strong advocacy is genuinely necessary, preserving leverage for the moments that matter most, and preparing fully for trial when the case calls for it. For clients navigating consequential decisions under pressure, she provides candid, grounded guidance that leads to better long-term outcomes.
What sets her apart
- Rare national distinction. One of only 100 Diplomates of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers in the United States — peer recognition at the highest level of family law trial practice.
- Deep San Antonio court knowledge. More than 20 years of practice in this market means she understands the local rules, courthouse dynamics, and how to build a strategy around the realities of South Texas courts.
- Complex financial expertise. Trust income and characterization, business valuation, community and separate property tracing, reimbursement claims, and above-guideline child support — handled with the technical depth high-asset cases require.
- Strength without escalation. Strong advocacy where it matters; restraint where it doesn’t. She preserves leverage, avoids unnecessary escalation, and is fully prepared to try a case when the situation calls for it.
- Shapes Texas family law. As a member of the Texas Family Law Foundation’s Legislative Committee for almost 20 years, she helps write the law she practices, bringing a policy-level perspective to every case.
Practice focus
Kristal focuses her practice on the cases that benefit most from technical depth and strategic restraint:
- High-net-worth divorce. Strategic counsel for divorce involving substantial estates, professional practices, executive compensation, and complex investments.
- Complex property division. Including separate and community property characterization, business valuation in divorce, and the marital home.
- Child custody and support. Including parenting schedules, conservatorship, and above-guideline child support cases.
- Pre-marital and post-marital agreements. Drafting and review for individuals and couples planning marriage or restructuring during it.
- Litigated and contested divorce. Trial-ready representation when negotiation and collaboration aren’t options.
Recognition and credentials
Kristal is one of San Antonio’s most-recognized family law attorneys — Board Certified, named “Lawyer of the Year” for Family Law in San Antonio by Best Lawyers in America (2021 and 2023), continuously listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 2020, repeatedly selected to Texas Super Lawyers, a recipient of the Brian Webb Legislative Award from the Texas Family Law Foundation, and holding an AV® Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Beyond her recognition, Kristal has held leadership roles across Texas family law: Past President of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, Past Chair of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, and Past President of the Texas Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Kristal also considers the legal education of her clients and colleagues a cornerstone of strong advocacy. She has delivered over 100 continuing legal education speeches around the country, covering nearly every topic in family law.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Best Lawyers in America© in the field of Family Law, Best Lawyers, 2020-2026
- Inclusion in Texas Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2018 – 2025
- Best Lawyers in America© Family Law Lawyer of the Year in San Antonio, 2021 & 2023
- Brian Webb Legislative Award, Texas Family Law Foundation, 2023
- Super Lawyer, Family Law Texas Monthly Magazine, 2018-2024
- Best Lawyer, Family Law, San Antonio Scene, 2006-2009, & 2011-2024
- Leadership San Antonio, Steering Committee, Class 46, 2022
- Leadership San Antonio, Class #300 (43), 2018
- Standing Ovation Outstanding Volunteer Award, TexasBarCLE, 2018
- 50 Up-And-Coming Women Lawyers, Texas Monthly, 2017
- 40 Under 40, San Antonio Business Journal, 2017
- Rising Star, Texas Monthly, 2006-2017
- Top 30 Family Lawyers, San Antonio Scene, 2014
- Belva Lockwood Outstanding Young Lawyer, Bexar County Women’s Bar Association, 2007
- San Antonio Outstanding Young Lawyer, San Antonio Young Lawyers Association, 2006
- Rising Star, San Antonio Scene, 2005-2006
- AV® Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
- Author & Speaker (with K. Raggio): The Pleasures & Pitfalls of Social Media, Advanced Family Law, San Antonio, 2014
- Author & Speaker: Ethical Traps for Family Lawyers, Marriage Dissolution, Austin, 2014
- Author & Speaker: Legislative Update, Extreme Family Law Makeover, San Antonio Bar Association Family Law Section, 2014
Current Employment Position(s)
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Partner - Family Law Attorney
Classes and Seminars
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Panelist (with J. Shutz & B. Stevens): Ethically Integrating Technology Into Your Practice, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Costa Rica, 2025
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Speaker (with Hon. Alvarado): Common Evidentiary Mistakes, San Antonio Bar Association, San Antonio, 2025
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Panelist (with L. Datz, K. Rubin, P. Wright & R. McAngus): AI in Family Law, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Webinar, 2025
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Speaker: “Valuing Reimbursement Claims” | Marriage Dissolution (Galveston) 2025
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Speaker: Caselaw Update, Judicial Education Conference, Georgetown, January 2025
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Speaker: “Brief Focus Child Custody Evaluations” | Advanced Family Law (San Antonio) 2024
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Speaker & Author: Jury Charge, Advanced Trial Skills for Family Lawyers, New Orleans, December 2024
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Speaker and Author (with Hon. Ferguson, J. Bashara & Hon. Graves-Harrington): Relocation Issues, Innovations: Breaking Boundaries in Child Custody Litigation, Boerne, May 2024
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Speaker: Becoming a Family Law Trial Lawyer, Fort Worth, March 2024
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Speaker: Reimbursement: It’s Easy Again!, Family Law Essentials, Family Law Bar Association San Antonio, San Antonio, February 2024
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Speaker: Show Me the Love ‐ Legislative Update, MABA San Antonio, Membership Meeting, San Antonio, February 2024
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Speaker: “Reimbursement” | Handling Your First Divorce (Austin) 2023
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Speaker: “Unusual Child Support Issues” | Advanced Family Law (San Antonio) 2023
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Speaker: Legislative Update, Advanced Family Law Drafting, Ft. Worth, December 2023
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Speaker: Legislative Update, Family Law Bar Association San Antonio, Membership Meeting, San Antonio, July 2023
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Panelist (with J. Warne, W. Cole & G. Beane): Legislative Update, TexasBarCLE, Austin, June 2023
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Speaker & Author: Characterization, Marriage Dissolution, Austin, April 2023
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Presenter: Trial Institute Property Day, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, New Orleans, February 2023
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Speaker: “Trial Technology” | Advanced Trial Skills (New Orleans) 2022
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Speaker: “Reimbursement Deep Dive” | Advanced Family Law (San Antonio) 2022
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Presented (with Hon. Ferguson): Child Support: Beyond Basics and Presumptions, 2022 Annual Judicial Education Conference, Dallas 2022
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Speaker & Author: Child Support: Beyond the Basics, Summer School, Galveston, July 2022
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Speaker: Child Support: Be Creative, HBA Family Law Section Membership Meeting, Houston, May 2022
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Panelist & Co-Author (with C. Tisdale, C. Fritch, & S. Naylor): Marriage Dissolution, Fort Worth, April 2022
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Speaker: Marital Property: Frequent & Emerging Issues, Family Justice Conference, Texas Center for the Judiciary, January 2022
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Speaker & Author: Want to Get a Charge: How to Get the Most Out of the Texas Pattern Jury Charges, Advanced Family Law Drafting, San Antonio, December 2021
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Panelist (with S. Pretorius, D. Morgan, B. Vertz, J. Jackson, S. Galamba, K. Rubin, J. Lounsberry, L. Datz, P. Wright & T. Tuft): Technology Built to Last, Webinar, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, October 2021
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Panelist & Author (with Judge Kaitcer & J. Nickelson): School Law, Marriage Dissolution, TexasBarCLE
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Speaker & Author: Rights & Duties, Handling Your First or Next Divorce, TexasBarCLE, Webinar, 2021
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Speaker: Legislative Update, Webinar, Family Law Bar San Antonio, 2021
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Panelist (with M. O’Neil & M. Unger): New Discovery Rules, Webinar, Family Law Bar San Antonio, 2021
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Speaker & Author: Third‐Party Standing, Annual Judicial Education Conference, Texas Center for the Judiciary, 2020
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Panelist: (with C. Hopper, Judge Cox, & D. Jefferson): Tips, Traps and Tricks that Help “Win” Your Case Before Trial, Fiduciary Litigation, Converted to Webinar, 2020
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Speaker & Author (with J. Bashara & J. Gould): Cross‐Examining the Trusted Psychologist, Advanced Trial Skill for Family Lawyers, Converted to Webinar, 2020
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Speaker & Author (with Judge Marr): Pre‐School Issues, Advanced Family Law, Converted to Webinar, 2020
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Panelist (with S. Galamba, C. Haston, B. Vertz & K. Raggio): Practice & Technology, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Webinar, May 2020
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Moderator: (with S. Chiscano): SABA Townhall District Court Operating Plan Update, San Antonio Bar Association, July 2020
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Panelist (with S. Chiscano & Judges Alvarado, Alvarez & Diaz): Civil District Courts Virtual Hearings – Most Common Mistakes to Avoid, San Antonio Bar Association, April 2020
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Panelist (with Judges Miskel & Ferguson): Zoom Training for Lawyers, Webinar, Family Law Section, March 2020
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Speaker: Ten Family Law Questions Every In‐House Counsel Needs Answered, Association of Corporate Counsel Monthly Luncheon, San Antonio, 2019
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Speaker (with C. Hodge), Fiduciary & Tracing Issues in Probate & Family Law, State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, Austin, 2019
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Panelist (with Judge Ferguson & R. Theis), When a Lie Isn’t a Lie: Dealing with False Testimony During Trial, Marriage Dissolution, Galveston, 2019 (Repeated as a TexasBarCLE Live Web Cast, August 2019)
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Speaker: Technology for Lawyers Panel, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Annual Meeting, Chicago, 2017
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Speaker: How to Love Networking Again, Bexar County Women’s Bar Association Retreat, Boerne, 2017
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Speaker (with L. McLaughlin): Where Probate & Family Law Collide, Docket Call, San Antonio, 2016
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Speaker: Mobile Lawyering, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Annual Meeting, Chicago, 2015
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Panelist: The Role of MHPs in Divorce, Kids First Parents Second Seminar, San Antonio, 2015
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Speaker: Third Party Actions and Joinder, Marriage Dissolution, Dallas, 2015
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Speaker: Mission Statements & Strategic Planning, LeaderBOARD, Junior League of San Antonio, 2015
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Attorney Participant: Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists Trial Institute, New Orleans, 2015
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Speaker (with S. Bandoske): Spousal Maintenance & the Reconstituted Estate, San Antonio Bar Association Family Law Section CLE, 2014
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Witness Participant, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists Trial Institute, Witness, New Orleans, 2014
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Speaker: Child Support Enforcement, Family Law Essentials Pro Bono Seminar, San Marcos, 2013
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Speaker: Office Management, Bexar County Women’s Bar Association Annual Retreat, Fredericksburg, 2013
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Speaker: Legislative Update, San Antonio Bar Association Family Law Section, 2013
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Speaker: Legislative Update, San Antonio Family Lawyer’s Association, Luncheon, San Antonio, 2013
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Speaker: Family Law, Certification & Mentoring, SABA Mentor/Mentee Luncheon, San Antonio, 2012
- Speaker: Jurisdiction, Family Law Essentials Pro Bono CLE, Eagle Pass, 2009
Published Works
Articles
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Why a Prenup for a Second Marriage Is More Essential Than You Think October 2, 2025
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Panelist & Author (with K. Munsinger): Family Law Fact or Fable: Truisms that Aren’t Actually True, Advanced Family Law, TexasBarCLE, 2025
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Author & Speaker: Case Law Update, Family Justice Conference, Texas Center for the Judiciary, 2020
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Author & Panelist (with L. Hirsch, H. Levy & C. Nickelson): Entities & Marital Property Law: Interrelated Claims and Issues, Savannah, Georgia, 2019
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Author & Speaker (with J. Monnig), Professionalism 201, Advanced Family Law, San Antonio, 2018
- Author & Panelist (with H. Levey & D. Fejer): Difficult Valuations, Marriage Dissolution, Dallas, 2018
- Author & Speaker: Case Law Update, Family Justice Conference, Texas Center for the Judiciary, 2018
- Author & Panelist (with K. Hufstetler, K. Gilliland, and B. Jefferies): Addiction in Custody Battles, Innovations in Child Custody, New Orleans, 2018
- Author & Speaker: Drafting Rights & Duties, Advanced Family Law Drafting, Fort Worth, 2017
- Author & Speaker: Rethinking Rights & Duties, Advanced Family Law, San Antonio, 2017
- Author & Speaker: Child Support: Coloring Outside the Lines, Marriage Dissolution, Austin, 2017
- Author & Speaker: Top 20 Cases in Family Law and How They Changed the Practice, Extreme Family Law Makeover, San Antonio Bar Association Family Law Section, San Antonio, 2017
- Author & Speaker (with Judge Miskel, M. Unger & R. Robertson): Peeping Toms in the New Millennium: Digital Dos and Don’ts, New Frontiers in Marital Property, Louisville, Kentucky, 2016
- Author & Speaker: The Top 20 Cases in Family Law and How They Changed the Practice, Advanced Family Law, San Antonio, 2016
- Author & Speaker: What They Didn’t Teach You in Law School – How to Run a Solo or Small Law Firm, Marriage Dissolution 101, Galveston, 2016
- Author & Speaker: Legislative Update, San Antonio Family Lawyers Association, San Antonio, 2015
- Author & Speaker: Ethical Traps for Family Lawyers, Annual Meeting, San Antonio, 2015
- Author & Speaker: Case Law Update, Extreme Family Makeover, San Antonio Bar Association Family Law Section, 2015
- Author & Speaker: The Mobile Law Office, Family Law Technology 360, Austin, 2014
- Author & Panelist (with J. Gould, L. Kamin, and C. Schmidt): Custody Evaluations and the New Law, Marriage Dissolution, Galveston, 2013
- Author & Speaker: Social Media & Your Custody Case, Advanced Family Law, Houston, 2012
- Author & Speaker (with M. Unger): The Best Apps for Your Practice, Advanced Family Law Drafting, Dallas, 2011
- Author & Speaker: Discovery Traps & How to Get Out of Them, Advanced Family Law, San Antonio, 2011
- Author & Speaker: Electronic Discovery in the Age of Honza & Weekly, Marriage Dissolution, San Antonio, 2010
- Author & Speaker: Narrowing the Issues, Ultimate Trial Notebook, San Antonio, 2009
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