Karen Knutson, Elder Law Attorney in Santa Monica, California
Over 25 years of legal practice · focused on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate
MemberatHimpel & Knutson, LLP
Santa Monica, CA
Practicing elder law in Santa Monica since 2001.
- 25+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Karen Knutson is a member based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. Karen has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Himpel & Knutson, LLP.
- Based in
- Santa Monica, CA
- Experience
- over 25 years
- Known for
- Elder Law · Estate Planning · Probate
- Handles Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate matters from Santa Monica, CA.
- Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Karen Knutson: Karen Knutson is a member based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. Karen has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Himpel & Knutson, LLP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Karen Knutson
Karen concentrates on elder law, estate planning, probate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Karen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Elder Law
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Estate Planning
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Probate
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Trusts
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Elder Law cases in Santa Monica, California
Karen takes elder law matters in Santa Monica, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karen agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Santa Monica, California
Karen takes estate planning matters in Santa Monica, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karen agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Santa Monica, California
Karen takes probate matters in Santa Monica, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karen agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Santa Monica, California
Karen takes trusts matters in Santa Monica, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karen agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Karen Knutson — Over 25 years of California elder law experience
Karen Knutson is a member based in Santa Monica, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. Karen has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Himpel & Knutson, LLP.
Karen Knutson is a lawyer practicing estate planning, estate administration, trusts and estates and 4 other areas of law. Karen has been licensed for 25 years. Karen practices at Himpel & Knutson, LLP in Santa Monica, CA.
Karen's approach to elder law cases
Karen Knutson is a lawyer practicing estate planning, estate administration, trusts and estates and 4 other areas of law. Karen has been licensed for 25 years. Karen practices at Himpel & Knutson, LLP in Santa Monica, CA.
The kind of cases Karen takes
Karen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, estate planning, and probate matters in Santa Monica and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Karen Knutson's legal education and bar admissions
University of West Los Angeles
J.D. · 2001
Jurisdictions
Karen's state bar admissions
California
2001 · ACTIVE
Karen studied at J.D. in University of West Los Angeles.
Law school and academic background
Karen completed J.D. in University of West Los Angeles. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Karen runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Karen Knutson's office in Santa Monica
Karen's primary office is at 2953 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA, 90405. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Karen Knutson
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No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Karen Knutson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new elder law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Karen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Karen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Karen's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Karen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Santa Monica, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Karen
Karen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in elder law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every elder law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Karen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Karen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many elder law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Karen Knutson
How much does it cost to hire Karen for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Karen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Karen offer a free consultation?
Karen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Karen's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Karen's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in California typically take?
Simple elder law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Karen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Karen take my case if I'm outside Santa Monica?
Karen is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Karen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Karen?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Karen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Karen accepting new elder law clients right now?
Karen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Elder Law attorneys serving Santa Monica, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Karen handles elder law matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
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If Karen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these elder law attorneys in Santa Monica handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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