On April 13, 2026, Glendon 'Teddy' Campbell filed a divorce petition against Mary Mary gospel singer Tina Campbell in Los Angeles County Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences after a marriage of more than 25 years. The couple separated in June 2024, shares five children, and Teddy reserved spousal support determinations for the court — a filing pattern that carries significant consequences under California's community property and long-term marriage rules.
Key Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| What happened | Glendon 'Teddy' Campbell filed for divorce from Tina Campbell |
| When filed | Monday, April 13, 2026 |
| Where filed | Los Angeles County Superior Court |
| Date of separation | June 2024 (approximately 22 months before filing) |
| Length of marriage | 25+ years (married August 2000) |
| Grounds cited | Irreconcilable differences |
| Children | Five minor/adult children shared |
| Custody request | None sought; visitation requested |
| Spousal support | Reserved for future court determination |
| Source | TheGrio, April 15, 2026 |
Why This Filing Matters Legally
This filing triggers California's long-term marriage rules, which apply when a marriage exceeds 10 years under Cal. Fam. Code § 4336. Because the Campbells were married for more than 25 years, the court retains indefinite jurisdiction over spousal support — meaning either party can seek modification for the rest of their lives unless they affirmatively waive that right in a written stipulation.
The decision to file in Los Angeles County Superior Court is jurisdictionally required. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 2320, at least one spouse must have resided in California for six months and in the filing county for three months before petitioning. Los Angeles County handles roughly 40,000 dissolution filings per year, making it the busiest family court system in the United States.
The reserved spousal support request is a tactical move worth understanding. When a petitioner reserves spousal support rather than requesting a specific amount, the court retains authority to order support later based on evidence presented at trial — typically after full financial disclosures under Cal. Fam. Code § 2104 are exchanged within 60 days.
How California Law Handles 25-Year Marriages
California is a community property state under Cal. Fam. Code § 760, meaning assets and debts acquired between August 2000 and the June 2024 date of separation are presumptively divided 50/50 between the spouses. Assets acquired after separation are generally the earning spouse's separate property under Cal. Fam. Code § 771.
The date of separation is one of the most consequential facts in any California divorce. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 70, separation occurs when one spouse expresses intent to end the marriage and their conduct is consistent with that intent. For the Campbells, the 22-month gap between separation (June 2024) and filing (April 2026) means nearly two years of post-separation earnings, royalties, touring income, and business revenue may qualify as separate property rather than community assets.
Spousal support in long-term marriages follows the 14 statutory factors in Cal. Fam. Code § 4320, including each spouse's earning capacity, marital standard of living, assets and debts, age and health, and contributions to the other's career. For marriages over 10 years, there is no presumptive termination date — a critical distinction from short-term marriages where support typically lasts half the length of the marriage.
Because Teddy did not seek custody, the children's residential arrangement likely remains with Tina. California courts apply the best-interests standard under Cal. Fam. Code § 3011, and visitation schedules are memorialized in a parenting plan filed with the court. For any children still under 18, child support is calculated using California's statewide guideline formula under Cal. Fam. Code § 4055.
Practical Takeaways for California Residents
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Document your date of separation precisely. If you separated in June 2024 and file in April 2026, all income earned during that 22-month window may be separate property. Save texts, emails, and bank statements that show when you began living apart.
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File preliminary disclosures within 60 days. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 2104, both spouses must exchange schedules of assets and debts, income and expenses, and all financial records. Missing this deadline can result in sanctions under Cal. Fam. Code § 271.
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Reserve spousal support if amounts are uncertain. Rather than locking in a number early, reserving support preserves your ability to request it later based on actual post-separation financial realities.
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Know the 10-year rule. California courts retain indefinite spousal support jurisdiction for marriages over 10 years under Cal. Fam. Code § 4336. Any waiver must be knowing, voluntary, and in writing.
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Understand community property presumptions. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 760, everything acquired during marriage is presumed community — including business goodwill, royalties earned during the marriage, and retirement contributions.
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Consider mediation before contested litigation. Los Angeles County Superior Court offers free mediation for custody disputes under Cal. Fam. Code § 3170, and many couples resolve property issues through private mediation at $300-$600 per hour — far less than contested trial costs averaging $20,000-$50,000 per spouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
What does "irreconcilable differences" mean in California?
Irreconcilable differences is California's no-fault divorce ground under Cal. Fam. Code § 2310. It means the marriage has broken down beyond repair with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. Neither spouse must prove wrongdoing. California has been a pure no-fault state since 1970, when it became the first state to eliminate fault-based divorce.
How long does a California divorce take after filing?
California imposes a mandatory six-month waiting period under Cal. Fam. Code § 2339, measured from the date the respondent is served with the petition. No divorce can be finalized before that date. Contested divorces involving property valuation or custody typically take 12 to 24 months in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Can Tina Campbell's post-separation gospel income be community property?
Under Cal. Fam. Code § 771, earnings and accumulations after the date of separation are the earning spouse's separate property. Income Tina Campbell earns from performances, royalties, or new business ventures after June 2024 would presumptively be her separate property — though royalties from songs recorded during the marriage may remain partially community.
What happens to spousal support after a 25-year marriage in California?
For marriages exceeding 10 years, California courts retain indefinite jurisdiction to award or modify spousal support under Cal. Fam. Code § 4336. Support amounts are determined using the 14 factors in Cal. Fam. Code § 4320. Courts expect the supported spouse to become self-supporting within a reasonable time, typically half the length of marriage for guideline purposes.
Why would a spouse not request custody in a divorce filing?
Spouses often omit custody requests when the children are adults, when the children primarily reside with the other parent by mutual agreement, or when no dispute exists over parenting arrangements. Visitation can still be established under Cal. Fam. Code § 3100 without a contested custody battle, preserving family relationships while formalizing schedules.
Need Help Understanding California Divorce Law?
If you are facing a long-term marriage divorce in California, understanding community property, spousal support, and date-of-separation rules is critical to protecting your financial future. Browse exclusive California family law attorneys on divorce.law to find counsel in your county.
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.