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

What Happens When Dogs Hurt or Chase Livestock?
Farmers and other livestock owners may legally kill dogs that are chasing or attacking their animals, and the dog owners are responsible for any damages to the livestock.
What Is a Postnup and How Is It Different From a Prenup?
Learn what postnuptial agreements are, how they’re different from prenups, what they can and can’t do, and whether they require a lawyer’s help.
Prenups: Who Should Get One and How to Make Yours Valid
What you need to know if you're considering a prenuptial, or premarital agreement.
Can I Get Workers' Comp Benefits for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
You should expect an uphill battle when filing for workers' comp based on PTSD, but first responders may have an easier time getting benefits in some states.
Are You Eligible for Workers' Compensation Benefits?
If you were hurt or became ill as a result of your work, you could be entitled to workers' compensation benefits.
How Can I Find Out If My California Employer Has Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Learn how to find your employer’s insurer and what you can do if it doesn’t meet California’s legal requirements for workers’ comp insurance.
Workers' Compensation: Is Your Injury or Illness Work Related?
If you are seeking workers' compensation benefits, you’ll have to show that your injury or illness is work related—or, in workers’ comp legalese, “arising out of employment and occurring during the course of employment” (AOE/COE).
Getting Workers' Comp Benefits for Repetitive Strain Injuries
Learn how to get workers’ compensation benefits for injuries that develop over time because of repetitive motions on the job.
Common Law Marriage and Social Security Dependents and Survivor Benefits
In some states, couples that meet certain criteria are considered to have a “common law” marriage even if they never held a religious or civil marriage ceremony.
When Can Federal Prosecutors Charge Police With Civil Rights Violations?
Law enforcement and other officials can face criminal charges for depriving people of their civil rights, including the right to be free from excessive force.