Karyn Gimbel Youso

I retained Karyn on July 29, 2024, after I was not notified or contacted at the time of my daughter’s birth in June 2024. I hired her based on a recommendation from another attorney I had previously worked with successfully and relied on her judgment during one of the most vulnerable moments of my li...fe as a new parent. Although she was retained as my attorney (not my mediator), I also considered that she is a licensed mediator in Wisconsin, believing that background would translate into a more balanced, de-escalating, and child-focused legal approach. Karyn’s hourly rate was higher than many others at $375/hour, and she appeared knowledgeable in family law. However, within the first three months of representation, the only tangible outcome was three hours of supervised time with my daughter at the Waukesha Public Library, at a cost of $3,210.24. During this period, I was repeatedly told that my lack of marriage or prior cohabitation limited my parental rights — a position that appeared inconsistent with Wisconsin law, including Wis. Stat. § 767.41, which emphasizes a child’s need for a meaningful relationship with both parents (“frequent and continuing contact with both parents”). For clarity, there were no safety-related concerns: I have no criminal record, no history of drug or alcohol abuse, and no conduct that would endanger my child. I was, and remain, a fit parent seeking to be present in my daughter’s life. Despite repeatedly raising the issue, obtaining my daughter’s medical provider information was not treated as a priority, even though this was a basic health and safety matter. After the mother refused to provide the information, it took months for my daughter’s doctor details to be obtained, delaying my ability to be informed and involved in essential medical decisions during a critical period. Early in the case, I relied heavily on Karyn’s professional judgment, including her affirmative recommendation and involvement in bringing on a Guardian ad Litem — Christiana G. Jimenez — whom she described in an email as a “truth seeker.” I relied on that endorsement. That recommendation proved pivotal and had serious, lasting consequences. During the case, I became aware of actions by Christiana G. Jimenez that raised significant concerns regarding confidentiality, ethics, judgment, and professional boundaries, including the disclosure of my private medical information to a third party. Despite these concerns, Karyn continued to support the Guardian ad Litem throughout her involvement. I also observed duplicative billing for overlapping issues, where the same questions were billed by both my attorney and the Guardian ad Litem without meaningful progress or resolution. In the final stages of representation — which led me to terminate Karyn — I observed conduct that appeared to escalate conflict rather than resolve it. Evidence I provided was repeatedly minimized rather than substantively addressed, rather than receiving effective advocacy. The impact of these decisions continues to this day. While the $11,236.13 in legal fees over approximately six months is money I will never recover, the most damaging loss is the time with my daughter that can never be replaced. Missed bonding and delayed connection cannot be repaired. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this attorney. Prospective clients should proceed with caution, particularly in custody matters or cases involving young children.

When my husband told me he wanted a divorce... I was lost, hurt, and broken. I didn't have a clue what was going on and where to even start. Karyn not only went through the normal financial and legal items that every other lawyer would go through, but she also shared insight into the mental and psych...ological affects of divorce and how to keep my power during the whole process. Through the process, she continued educated me about my rights and how to best handle working with my (ex) husband to make things go as smoothly as possible. Karyn's service was instrumental in keeping the process as quick and painless as possible - while helping me to move on quickly to the next chapter of my awesome life. I highly recommend her service.

Karyn was great to work with. She quickly had an understanding of a fairly unconventional situation, laid out the plan, and then executed on it. She was quick to get documents turned around and to talk to me about different financial scenarios, and clearly articulated the economic impacts. ...Very happy to work with her and while I hope I don't have to for a divorce ever again, I would hire her again!

I was looking for an attorney to work through a difficult situation fairly while at the same time protecting mine and my children's interest. Karen was that attorney. She represented my children's interests very well. She is organized, intelligent and thorough. If it's important for you to have a law...yer who is the smartest person in the room and who will make sure the difficult divorce process is handled fairly and professionally, I would highly recommend Ms. Youso.

Karyn was able to jump right into my case on short notice and provide excellent representation. She was always available and responsive via email and phone. She addressed all of my concerns to make sure I was protected from the intricacies of my situation. During high emotional times, she was able ...to provide a sense of calmness. I appreciated her candidness as we worked through adversarial issues to keep moving forward to come to an agreeable outcome. I would highly recommend Karyn.