Glendon 'Teddy' Campbell filed for divorce from Mary Mary gospel singer Tina Campbell on April 13, 2026 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences after a 25-year marriage and a June 2024 separation, per reporting from TheGrio. For California residents, this filing illustrates how a 'long-duration marriage' under Cal. Fam. Code § 4336 shapes spousal support, community property division, and custody of the couple's two minor children, ages 13 and 16.
Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | Glendon Campbell filed a petition for dissolution of marriage |
| When filed | April 13, 2026 (separation date: June 2024) |
| Where | Los Angeles County Superior Court, California |
| Who's affected | Tina Campbell (Mary Mary), Glendon Campbell, two minor children (ages 13, 16) |
| Grounds | Irreconcilable differences under Cal. Fam. Code § 2310 |
| Marriage length | 25 years (qualifies as 'long-duration' under § 4336) |
| Reported issues | Visitation/parenting time requested; no contested community property |
Why This Matters Legally
A 25-year marriage triggers California's 'long-duration marriage' rules, which fundamentally change how courts approach spousal support. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 4336, any marriage lasting 10 years or more is presumptively a marriage of long duration, and the court retains indefinite jurisdiction over spousal support — meaning the supported spouse can return to court years later to request modification or extension.
That statute removes the 'half the length of the marriage' presumption that applies to shorter marriages. For a 25-year union, California courts do not set an automatic termination date for support. Instead, judges weigh the 14 factors in Cal. Fam. Code § 4320, including earning capacity, marital standard of living, age and health of the parties, and the supported spouse's contributions to the other's career or education.
The April 13, 2026 filing lists June 2024 as the separation date — nearly two years of separate living. That date matters because under Cal. Fam. Code § 771, earnings and accumulations after the date of separation are the separate property of each spouse. Income Tina Campbell earned from Mary Mary tours, book royalties, or solo work after June 2024 is presumptively hers alone.
How California Law Handles This
California is a community property state under Cal. Fam. Code § 760, which divides property acquired during marriage 50/50 absent a valid prenuptial agreement. Reporting indicates the Campbell filing contains no contested community property issues — a signal that the couple likely executed a marital settlement agreement under Cal. Fam. Code § 2550 before filing, or reached private financial terms.
Custody and visitation follow the 'best interest of the child' standard in Cal. Fam. Code § 3011, which requires courts to consider the health, safety, and welfare of each child; any history of abuse; the nature and amount of contact with both parents; and habitual substance abuse. With children ages 13 and 16, California courts will give substantial weight to the children's preferences under Cal. Fam. Code § 3042, which mandates that children 14 and older be allowed to address the court on custody if they wish.
The six-month mandatory waiting period under Cal. Fam. Code § 2339 means the earliest the divorce can be finalized is October 13, 2026 — six months plus one day after service of the summons. This is a minimum, not a target; contested divorces frequently take 12 to 24 months.
Practical Takeaways for California Residents
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Document your separation date precisely. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 70, the date of separation is the date one spouse expressed intent to end the marriage AND began acting consistently with that intent. Post-separation earnings become separate property from that day forward.
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Long marriages keep support jurisdiction open indefinitely. If you are in a marriage of 10+ years, expect the court to retain authority over spousal support even after finalization. Plan finances accordingly.
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Private settlements save five-figure legal bills. The Campbell filing appears to resolve property issues privately. A marital settlement agreement negotiated outside court typically costs $3,000-$10,000 in attorney fees versus $30,000-$75,000 per spouse in contested litigation.
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Teen children have a statutory voice. If your children are 14 or older, California law guarantees them the right to speak to the judge about custody. Prepare parenting plans that reflect their schedules and preferences.
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File the preliminary declaration of disclosure within 60 days. Cal. Fam. Code § 2104 requires each spouse to exchange a complete financial disclosure — accounts, debts, income, and business interests — within 60 days of filing or responding. Missing this deadline can void your final judgment.
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Irreconcilable differences is a no-fault ground. California abolished fault-based divorce in 1970. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 2310, past infidelity — even a publicly acknowledged affair — has no bearing on property division or spousal support absent a specific economic impact like dissipation of community assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does infidelity affect a California divorce financially?
No. California is a pure no-fault state under Cal. Fam. Code § 2310, and infidelity does not influence property division or spousal support calculations. The only exception is if the cheating spouse used community funds on the affair — gifts, trips, hotels — which may be recovered as 'breach of fiduciary duty' under Cal. Fam. Code § 1101.
How long does a California divorce take to finalize?
A California divorce cannot be finalized faster than six months and one day after service of the summons, per Cal. Fam. Code § 2339. Uncontested cases with complete settlement agreements typically close in 6-9 months. Contested cases involving support, custody, or high-asset property division commonly run 12-24 months from filing.
Can a spouse get permanent alimony after a 25-year marriage in California?
Yes. A 25-year marriage qualifies as a 'long-duration marriage' under Cal. Fam. Code § 4336, and California courts retain indefinite jurisdiction over spousal support. While 'permanent' alimony is rare, support can continue for many years, with the paying spouse bearing the burden to show the recipient should become self-supporting within a reasonable time.
How do California courts decide custody for teenage children?
California courts apply the 'best interest of the child' standard under Cal. Fam. Code § 3011, weighing health, safety, and welfare. For children 14 and older, Cal. Fam. Code § 3042 guarantees them the right to address the court directly on custody preferences. Judges give substantial — though not determinative — weight to teen preferences.
What happens to assets earned after separation in California?
Under Cal. Fam. Code § 771, earnings and property acquired by either spouse after the date of separation are that spouse's separate property, not community property. For a June 2024 separation, any income, book deals, tour revenue, or investments accumulated after that date are presumptively separate and not subject to 50/50 division.
Talk to a California Family Law Attorney
If you are navigating a long-term marriage dissolution, spousal support question, or custody of teenage children in California, connect with an exclusive divorce.law member firm in your county for a confidential consultation.
This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.