E.A. Gjelten

Legal Editor

E.A. (Liz) Gjelten has been a legal editor at Nolo since 2016. She enjoys using her research, analytical, and writing skills to translate complex legal issues into jargon-free language that’s accessible to lay readers without compromising accuracy.

Legal background. Before coming to Nolo, Liz worked for 12 years as a legal author for Thomson Reuters, writing about new legal developments in family law and workers’ compensation for Westlaw and print publications. She also researched and wrote the annual roundup of new California legislation for a monthly family law journal. Before that, Liz worked for 15 years as an author, legal editor, and managing editor for California Family Law Report, a small legal publishing company.

Working at Nolo. Since 2021, Liz has worked as the legal editor for family law and divorce, drawing on her years of experience researching, writing, and editing in that area. Before that, Liz was a special projects editor, writing articles on a range of topics, including workers’ compensation, civil rights, and animal law.

Other pursuits. Liz has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California at Los Angeles and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. She is a produced playwright and has taught at San Francisco State University and New College of California. She’s also worked as a freelance book editor, journalist, and grant writer.


Articles by E.A. Gjelten

How Remarriage Affects Alimony
An overview of how remarriage or cohabitation will affect ongoing alimony obligations.
California Divorce FAQ
Get answers to common questions about divorce in California.
How Do I File for Divorce in California?
Wondering where to begin and how to file a divorce? Learn about the necessary forms and instructions to file for a divorce in California.
Equitable Division vs. Community Property: Key Differences in Divorce Property Division by State
If you and your spouse can't agree on how to distribute property during your divorce, a judge will divide your assets under the laws in your state. Learn about the differences between community property and equitable distribution states.
Can a Custodial Parent Move a Child Out of State?
Learn how courts make custody decisions when one parent wants to relocate with the children after a divorce.
Sexless Marriage and Divorce
If you’re in a marriage without physical intimacy, it can help to learn the possible causes, what you can do to try to save your relationship, and—if those efforts don’t work—whether the lack of sex can be grounds for divorce.
Basic Divorce Residency Requirements in Your State
A complete guide to the residency requirements for divorce in all 50 states and D.C.
Do Grandparents Have Visitation Rights in Idaho?
Learn how a decision by the Idaho Supreme Court affects grandparents' rights to get visitation with their grandchildren over the parents' objections.
Do Grandparents Have Visitation Rights in Washington?
If you’re a grandparent being kept from your grandkids, you might wonder if a judge can help. In Washington, that depends on whether you meet strict legal standards for court-ordered visitation.
How Do I File for Divorce in South Carolina?
Learn about the forms and procedures for getting a divorce in South Carolina, how to qualify for a "simple divorce," and how to get help.