Ashlyn L. Yarnell is a non-equity partner at Nelson & Yarnell in Overland Park, Kansas, where she focuses her practice on complex family law matters and associated litigation. Ashlyn’s focus includes divorce, parentage, non-marital disputes, custody, post-decree, administrative appeals, appeals, multi-jurisdictional issues, and Child in Need of Care proceedings. She is regularly appointed to represent the interests of children as a Guardian ad Litem. Ashlyn has built a reputation as a thoughtful and detail-oriented advocate who approaches family law with both careful legal analysis and genuine compassion for the families she represents. Colleagues and clients alike value her professionalism, preparation, and ability to navigate difficult cases with both clarity and respect.
Ashlyn is deeply involved in the Kansas legal community. She currently serves as President-Elect of the Johnson County Bar Association and has held numerous leadership roles within the organization, including serving as Chair of both the Young Lawyers Section and the Solo and Small Firm Section. She has also served multiple terms on the Association’s Board of Directors and currently serves on its Executive Committee. In addition to her leadership roles, Ashlyn volunteers as an investigator for the Johnson County Ethics and Grievance Committee, helping uphold the professional standards of the legal community.
Ashlyn was appointed by the Kansas Judicial Council to serve on the Kansas Child Welfare System Taskforce created by Senate Bill 126, where she represented family law attorneys advocating to collaborative solutions within the child welfare system. She has also served on the Kansas Attorney Wellness Taskforce, contributing to initiatives supporting attorney wellbeing, including work focused on solo and small firm practitioners.
Ashlyn remains actively engaged with professional organizations that support excellence in family law practice. She is a barrister member of the Johnson County Family Law Inn of Court and has also been a member of the Earl E. O’Connor Inn of Court. She is a longtime member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, the Kansas Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Ashlyn also volunteers with these organizations, with her church, and her local community.
Ashlyn earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Kansas State University, where she also completed minors in Spanish and Leadership and earned a Certificate in Conflict Resolution. She received her Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law, earning a certificate in Family Law. While in law school, she competed on the Competitive Trial Advocacy Team. She is a member of the National Order of Barristers.
Ashlyn is admitted to practice before all trial and appellate courts in the State of Kansas and the United States District Court for the District of Kansas. She frequently presents continuing legal education programs through organizations including the Kansas Bar Association and the Johnson County Bar Association.