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 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.
Selling the House When You Divorce
Learn why you might want or need to sell your family home when you get divorced, as well as what you'll need to do and how to divide the proceeds.
10 Things You Should Know About Divorce
Learn how to avoid some common pitfalls in divorce—and how to make the process easier and more successful.
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.
Negotiating a House Buyout During Divorce
"Buying out" your spouse might be an option if you want to keep the house after a divorce.
Abandonment and Desertion in Divorce: Legal Consequences and Rights
When a spouse vanishes without warning, the emotional toll is just the beginning—abandonment can have major legal consequences in divorce, custody, and even criminal court. But how do courts define it, and what rights do you still have?
Uncontested Divorce in South Carolina
Divorce isn't always complicated and expensive. Find out if you qualify for an uncontested (or "simple") divorce in South Carolina.
Removing Your Spouse From the Mortgage in Divorce
Learn what you have to do to get your ex's name off the mortgage on your family home if you're keeping it in your divorce.
How to Calculate Child Support in California
Learn how child support works in California, including how support is calculated, when the amount can be different than the standard calculation, and how to modify the current amount of support you’re paying or receiving.
Divorce Residency Requirements in Your State
A complete guide to the residency requirements for divorce in all 50 states and D.C.