Karen Weitzul first came into the public eye as the wife of prominent attorney Thomas Vincent Girardi. The couple met in the early 1960s—Girardi was building his legal career, while Weitzul maintained a more private life. They married in August 1964 and, over the next two decades, raised two children together, a daughter and a son, both of whom followed their own professional paths. Their marriage lasted until October 1983, when Weitzul filed for divorce after nearly 19 years.
Career of Tom Girardi and Weitzul’s Role Behind the Scenes
During their marriage, Tom Girardi rose to fame by winning California’s first-ever million-dollar-plus medical malpractice award. He eventually became a legal celebrity through high-profile cases, including the one that inspired the film “Erin Brockovich.” While Girardi took the spotlight, Weitzul maintained a low-profile presence—focused on her family and supporting her husband’s career from behind the scenes.
Despite her discretion, Weitzul likely played a significant role in stabilizing Girardi’s early domestic life during his ascent in legal circles. Unlike Girardi’s third wife, Erika Jayne, Weitzul rarely appeared in media or at public events, making her personal story more enigmatic.
The Divorce: Financial Settlement and Spousal Support
When Weitzul and Girardi parted ways in 1983, she was awarded spousal support, reportedly set at $10,000 per month. The arrangement continued for decades until Girardi began experiencing severe financial issues in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
By February 2020, Girardi requested to reduce support to $5,000 per month, which Weitzul contested. That same year, he made a temporary payment of $40,000 covering February and March, but later stopped payments altogether. By October 2020, he had fallen behind by at least $45,000.
Weitzul’s Legal Moves During Girardi’s Crisis
As Girardi’s financial and legal troubles deepened—including allegations of embezzlement and the eventual bankruptcy of his law firm—Weitzul began taking legal action to recover unpaid spousal support. In June 2022, she filed documents stating she was owed a total of $245,000 in unpaid alimony.
She also placed a lien on the Pasadena mansion that Girardi had shared with his third wife. This mansion became one of the primary assets involved in Girardi’s bankruptcy case, and Weitzul’s claim added another layer to the already complex legal proceedings.
$200K Settlement from Mansion Sale
Eventually, the Pasadena mansion—featuring four bedrooms and nine bathrooms—was sold for approximately $7.5 million. As part of the proceeds, Weitzul received a $200,000 payout, which was considered a settlement for the unpaid spousal support. In return, she agreed to release any future financial claims against Girardi.
This settlement brought closure to a long-standing dispute and allowed Weitzul to secure some measure of financial justice amidst the chaos of Girardi’s downfall, which included more than $6 million in secured liens against his estate.
Life After the Settlement: A Private Journey
Following the settlement, Weitzul appears to have returned to a quiet and private life, reportedly remaining in the Pasadena area. There is little public information available about her current lifestyle, work, or personal interests beyond her connection to Girardi.
Unlike others involved in the legal scandal who appeared frequently in the media or on television, Weitzul chose a path of discretion, handling her legal and financial issues away from public view.
Broader Impact and Public Perception
Karen Weitzul’s experience sheds light on several important legal and social issues. First, it emphasizes the vulnerability of long-term divorce settlements when an ex-spouse faces financial collapse. Second, it demonstrates the importance of legal protections such as spousal support enforcement and property liens—even decades after a marriage ends.
Her actions also highlight the potential for dignity and resilience in navigating personal legal challenges. While others involved in the Girardi saga were drawn into media controversies, Weitzul remained largely outside the spotlight, focusing instead on protecting her financial interests.
Key Takeaways from Weitzul’s Story
- Persistence matters – Weitzul pursued her rightful alimony despite significant legal and financial obstacles.
- Legal tools are essential – Liens and documented arrears ensured she had leverage in a complex bankruptcy proceeding.
- Closure is powerful – The $200,000 settlement allowed her to move forward and put a decades-long dispute to rest.
Final Thoughts: Privacy, Persistence, and Resolution
Karen Weitzul’s life is a quiet yet compelling narrative of strength, patience, and legal assertiveness. From her marriage to a high-profile attorney to the decades-long financial settlement battle that followed, she has demonstrated dignity and persistence throughout.
Her story stands apart for its understated tone. While others in similar circumstances may have opted for media attention or public battles, Weitzul remained grounded. Her journey reminds us that personal justice does not always require fame, but rather, clarity, patience, and resilience.
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