JGL Law For You

Maryland Divorce Basics: From Filing to Final Judgment (Part 2)

What actually happens once you file for divorce in Maryland? In Part 2 of this practical, plain-English series, David Bulitt and Christopher Castellano walk you step-by-step through the real mechanics of a divorce case: from jurisdiction and venue to temporary (pendente lite) support, custody hearings, discovery, settlement options, and final judgment. You’ll learn what courts actually look at when deciding custody, how equitable distribution works in Maryland (and why it’s not automatically 50/50), what happens if someone hides assets, and why most cases settle before trial. The episode closes with critical post-divorce to-dos and practical advice that can save you time, money, and stress. If you’re navigating divorce in Maryland, this episode offers the clarity you need before taking your next step. If you missed the first episode in this series, Maryland Divorce Basics: Costs, Emotions and New Legal Grounds Explained (Part 1) [https://www.jgllaw.com/podcasts/maryland-divorce-basics-costs-emotions-and-new-legal-grounds-explained-part-1/], you can catch up by listening to the episode.

Maryland Divorce Basics: Costs, Emotions and New Legal Grounds Explained (Part 1)

Family law partners David Bulitt and Christopher Castellano take a wide-angle look at what divorce in Maryland really involves—from the emotional rollercoaster to the real-world financial impact. They talk openly about why divorce is often compared to a death in the family, how clients sometimes (without realizing it) drive up their own legal costs, and practical ways to stay informed without over-analyzing every single email or court filing. David and Chris also discuss Maryland’s newer, streamlined grounds for divorce—mutual consent, six-month separation, and irreconcilable differences—and show how classic “fault” issues such as adultery, abuse, and financial misconduct are still relevant in custody, alimony, and property decisions even though they’re no longer formal grounds for divorce. The discussion is a clear, plain-language overview designed to help you understand the road ahead before diving into the litigation side of divorce in Part 2.

Keeping the Holidays Peaceful After Separation: Real-World Co-Parenting Advice

The holidays are supposed to be magical, but for separated or divorced parents they can also be a minefield of schedules, expectations, and hurt feelings. In this episode of JGL LAW FOR YOU, family law attorneys and JGL principals David Bulitt [https://www.jgllaw.com/attorney/david-bulitt/] and Christopher Castellano [https://www.jgllaw.com/attorney/christopher-castellano/] discuss how to navigate Thanksgiving, winter break, Christmas, and spring break in a way that keeps the focus where it belongs: on your kids. David and Christopher dig into the real friction points they see every year in their practice: last-minute schedule changes, split holidays, travel plans, gift-giving “arms races,” and the challenges of two households with very different resources and traditions. They offer practical strategies for communicating with your co-parent, honoring old traditions while creating new ones, managing expectations with your children, and staying flexible when life (or the school calendar) doesn’t cooperate. Whether you’re in the middle of a divorce, recently separated, or years into co-parenting, this conversation will help you plan ahead, reduce conflict, and build holiday memories your children will want to remember.

Maryland’s New Custody Law: Understanding the 16 Factors the Court Must Consider

Major changes have reshaped how custody cases are decided in Maryland. In this episode of JGL LAW FOR YOU, attorneys David Bulitt and Christopher Castellano unpack newly enacted House Bill 1191, which establishes 16 key factors courts must now consider when determining what legal and physical custody arrangement is in the best interest of a child. They discuss how these rules create greater uniformity and what parents need to know when preparing for a custody case or modification. Whether you’re facing a potential custody dispute or simply want to understand Maryland’s evolving family law landscape, this episode offers essential insights and practical guidance.

Divorce and the Family Home: What Maryland’s New Mortgage Assumption Law Means for You

A new Maryland law (HB 1018) could be a game-changer for divorcing couples who want to keep their family home without being forced into high-interest refinancing. In this episode of JGL LAW FOR YOU, attorneys David Bulitt and Christopher Castellano explain how mortgage assumptions work, why this law matters, and what it means for families navigating divorce. From avoiding skyrocketing interest rates to preserving stability for children, they break down the practical and financial benefits...and why talking with an experienced lawyer is the key to making the most of this opportunity.