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

Understanding and Calculating Alimony in North Carolina
If you’re seeking alimony in your North Carolina divorce, you may think you’re automatically entitled to it. You may be in for a surprise.
Legal Separation and Separation Agreements in North Carolina
In North Carolina, legal separation works differently than in most other states. You can get a "divorce from bed and board" (a court-ordered legal separation). But you can also be considered legally separated without a court order.
How Property is Divided in a North Carolina Divorce
If you’re separating from your spouse or getting divorced in North Carolina, the issue of dividing your property is going to come up. You may think you know what you’re entitled to—but you may be in for a surprise.
Top 15 Financial Mistakes to Avoid in Your Divorce Settlement
Learn about the most common financial pitfalls in divorce settlement agreements—and how to avoid them when you're negotiating your own agreement.
Uncontested Divorce in Utah
Learn how to get a quick and easy uncontested divorce in Utah, including the requirements, necessary paperwork, how and where to file the forms, and how to complete the process.
North Carolina Child Custody
Learn about the kinds of custody arrangements in North Carolina, how judges decide on custody when parents can’t agree, and how to get a change in custody or visitation.
Child Custody and Visitation Laws in Vermont
Child custody and visitation can be emotionally-charged and complex issues. It’s crucial for you to be prepared for what you might be facing.
Divorce in Oklahoma FAQ
Learn more about Oklahoma divorce in these answers to frequently asked questions.
How to Appeal Your Divorce
You probably can appeal your divorce—but should you? Appeals will be successful in only a few situations.
Modifying a Divorce Decree
Learn what happens when a former spouse wants to change a divorce decree after the divorce is final.