JGL Law For You

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.

Back-to-School Challenges for Separated Parents: Custody, Communication and Putting Kids First.

The start of a new school year can be stressful for any family, and even more so for separated or divorced parents. In this episode of JGL LAW FOR YOU, attorney Christopher Castellano joins Lindsay Parvis to share practical strategies for navigating back-to-school transitions when custody orders, parenting plans, and communication challenges come into play. From handling morning drop-offs and online school portals to managing emergency contacts, extracurriculars, and legal considerations, Chris offers insights to reduce stress and prioritize kids’ best interests. Whether you have an existing custody order or are newly separated, this conversation provides helpful tools for creating consistency, improving co-parent communication, and starting the school year with confidence and stability.

Dividing Retirement Assets in Divorce: What You Need to Know

When it comes to divorce, dividing assets can be tricky, and retirement accounts are often the most complex (and valuable) piece of the puzzle. In this episode of JGL LAW FOR YOU, host David Bulitt sits down with family law attorney Christopher Castellano to demystify the many types of retirement benefits, from 401(k)s and pensions to IRAs and annuities. Together, they break down what counts as marital versus non-marital assets, how courts handle present vs. future value, and how survivor benefits and prenuptial agreements impact retirement divisions. Whether you’re considering divorce or already navigating the process, this episode delivers the essential insights you need to understand what you're entitled to when it comes to dividing retirement assets.