Jonathan J. Bates

A Nationally Recognized Board-Certified Authority In Complex Family Law

Jonathan J. Bates Partner

Equally adept in the courtroom and at the negotiation table, Jonathan J. Bates focuses his practice in the areas of complex and high-net-worth marital property and child custody. Whether in his trial practice or serving as a mediator or AAML Certified arbitrator, Jonathan brings more than three decades of experience to bear, addressing the intricacies and challenges of family law cases.

Jonathan has actively served the family law community on local, state and national levels, including leadership positions as past Chair of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, past President of the Texas Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and past President of the Texas Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, as well as the National AAML Treasurer and member of the Board of Governors.

Jonathan was the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists’ Sam Emison Memorial Award, which 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.” He was the 2025 recipient of the Dan Price Award from the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, recognizing significant impact on the Family Law Section for the past year. Jonathan was also the National American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers’ Fellow of the Year 2020 co-recipient.

Jonathan is a frequent author and presenter at continuing legal education programs for the State Bar of Texas and was the 2019 Recipient of the STANDING OVATION Award from TexasBarCLE in recognition of “exceptional contributions” and “extraordinary energy, commitment of time, and leadership” in volunteer Continuing Legal Education.

Jonathan served as one of eight former-Chair mentors for the inaugural class of the State Bar of Texas Family Law Section Leadership Program (2024-2026), working with young future leaders in the family law community. He was an active leader in the Texas Supreme Court/Access to Justice Working Group, Scope of Practice Subcommittee, and Family Law Subgroup in 2023, and also served on the Texas Access to Justice Strategic Plan Working Group 2024.

Education

Baylor University School of Law

BBA in Finance/Economics from Baylor University.

You Need Action

Not Talk.

Building The Path Forward
And The Steps To Get You There

100+ Years of Combined Experience
Our team is uniquely equipped with the experience and insight of seasoned veterans and the agility of some of the brightest minds in law.
Adapting to
Your Needs

Whether you prefer to visit us in one of our offices or meet using video conference, we're ready to help you in any capacity you need.
A Team-Based, Collaborative Environment
Our clients always come first. We work with you as a team to determine a strategy to help achieve your goals while keeping a realistic view.
Integrity & Honesty Are Everything
From our first meeting to the conclusion of your case, we stand by the quality of our work. We always strive to do right by our clients.

You Need More Than Words.
You need Board-Certified Results.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Mueller Family Law Group at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy