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

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.
What Causes Divorce? 8 Common Reasons for Divorce
Whether you’re just curious or thinking of your own marital challenges, here’s a look at what research has to say about the most common causes of divorce.
Getting a Divorce While Pregnant
You may have seen misinformation about states that ban divorce while pregnant. Learn the facts on how pregnancy will affect your divorce.
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.