Attorney Karen Appel has specialized in Family Law and Social Security Disability cases throughout her more than three-decade career.

A staunch client advocate, she is committed to resolving all cases in the best interest of her clients – whether by settlement or in court. One such example was her representation of one of the parties in a landmark Wisconsin case that was the first to focus on cohabitation related to the payment of maintenance. The result of that case – which prevented termination of maintenance just because the ex-spouse receiving it lives with a partner − remains the rule to this day.

Throughout her career, Attorney Appel has represented clients in courts across southeastern Wisconsin in a broad range of family law cases, including: parent alienation and custody; custody cases involving father’s rights; spouses trying to hide assets through transfers; personal asset and business valuation issues; maintenance when a spouse is unable to return to work after being a stay-at-home parent; Munchausen syndrome by proxy and domestic abuse.

Education & Memberships

Attorney Appel received her undergraduate degree in Spanish and Political Science from Luther College, graduating summa cum laude. She attended the University of Wisconsin Law School. Attorney Appel is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Waukesha County Bar Association, and has been admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin.

Personal

Karen is an avid sports fan and names the Packers, Brewers, Badger football and basketball and USA World Cup Soccer teams among her favorites. When she’s not enjoying her young grandson and other family members, she can be seen walking her dog, kayaking, and swimming.