Ann O’Connell

Ann O’Connell

Attorney · UC Berkeley School of Law

Ann O’Connell is a legal editor at Nolo specializing in landlord-tenant and real estate law. She writes for Nolo.com, Lawyers.com, and Avvo. Ann is a coauthor of Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home, which won a silver Benjamin Franklin Award from the Independent Book Publishers Association in 2020, and Nolo’s Every Landlord’s Legal Guide.

Legal career. Before joining Nolo as an editor, Ann was a freelance writer for Nolo as well as other publications and law firms. Ann practiced civil litigation in California and Colorado, and had her own firm in Colorado. At her firm, she focused on real estate, landlord-tenant, and small business cases. 

Credentials. Ann earned her B.A. from Boston College and her J.D. from UC Berkeley Law. She has passed the bar exams in California, Nevada, and Colorado, where she is both an active attorney and a real estate broker.

Landlord-tenant law. Ann’s favorite part of writing about landlord-tenant matters is the opportunity to help tenants—who often find it difficult to afford or hire a lawyer to represent them—understand and assert their rights. Ann’s research and writing on coronavirus-related eviction bans and tenant rights has been cited by numerous news outlets and government agencies, including Yahoo Finance, CNET, Fannie Mae, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Articles By Ann O’Connell

State Laws on When Child Support Ends
The duty to pay child support generally ends when a child reaches the age of majority or is emancipated. But you could be required to pay support for an adult child in some circumstances, depending on the law in your state.
New Mexico Child Support
Child support can be complex, but it doesn't always have to be. New Mexico has strict guidelines for courts and parents to use when determining the appropriate amount of child support and which parent should pay.
Child Support Laws in Utah
Utah's child support guidelines take into account parents' income, the custody arrangement, and other factors when calculating the amount of child support a parent will owe.
The Stages of Divorce Mediation
Here’s what to expect when you decide to mediate your divorce.
How Do I File for Divorce in North Carolina?
Even though you don’t have to prove your spouse’s fault to get a divorce in North Carolina, you’ll still need to follow the state’s and court’s procedures when you file for divorce.
How Do I File for Divorce in Utah?
Learn about the forms and procedures required to file for divorce in Utah.
Continuing to Co-Own the House After a Divorce
Co-owning property with your ex-spouse is a big commitment. Learn the pros and cons of the arrangement to find out if it's right for you.
Child Support Basics in Georgia
If you're a Georgia parent going through a divorce, or if you've never been married to your child's other parent and have decided to end the relationship, you'll want to become familiar with Georgia's child support guidelines.
California Community Property FAQ
Here's what everyone filing for divorce in California needs to know about the state's property division laws.
Negotiating a House Buyout at Divorce
"Buying out" your spouse might be an option if you want to keep the house after a divorce.