Advertise on podcast: JGL Law For You

Can anyone walk into a Maryland courthouse and read the details of your divorce? In this episode of JGL LAW FOR YOU, David Bulitt and family law attorney Christopher Castellano break down Maryland’s new divorce privacy law, which takes effect October 1, 2026. Until now, anyone could ask to see the complaint, answers, and other filings in a divorce case. Under the new statute, the public can see little more than the fact that a case exists and the final judgment of absolute divorce. David and Chris explain what the law does and does not change, including why Maryland Judiciary Case Search will still show a case’s docket; why your spouse, the attorneys, and the judge will still see everything you file; and how the statute fits with the existing rules on restricted information in court filings. They also draw an important line between privacy and secrecy and explain why the new law is no reason to be less careful about what you put in a filing. For anyone who has put off filing for divorce because they don’t want to air their dirty laundry, whether over allegations of abuse or adultery or because they run a business and don’t want customers finding their case records, this episode offers a clear look at what will stay private, what won’t, and why any concern about sensitive information is worth raising with your lawyer early.

In this episode of JGL LAW FOR YOU, David Bulitt and family law attorney Christopher Castellano explore how Facebook posts, Instagram reels, videos, jokes, comments, and even seemingly harmless online venting can take on an entirely different meaning inside a custody dispute. Using the highly publicized Lindsay Clancy trial as a backdrop, they break down how social media can be introduced as evidence, how a sarcastic or out-of-context post can take on a very different meaning in court, and how a single post can raise questions about judgment, parental fitness, credibility, or a parent’s ability to put their children first. Listeners will also hear practical guidance for navigating social media before and during family law litigation, including why you should never litigate your case online, why angry posts about a co-parent can come back to haunt you, and the simple test Chris recommends before you post: Would you be comfortable explaining it to a judge?

What happens when one spouse puts their career on hold for the good of the family? In this episode of JGL LAW FOR YOU, David Bulitt and family law attorney Christopher Castellano discuss how thoughtfully crafted prenuptial agreements can help protect a spouse who leaves the workforce, reduces their hours to care for children, or relocates to support a partner's career. David and Chris explore the often-overlooked financial impact of career sacrifices and explain how provisions addressing retirement contributions, alimony, life insurance, and career re-entry support can provide greater financial security, fairness, and peace of mind for both spouses.

In this episode of JGL LAW FOR YOU, David Bulitt continues his conversation with family law attorney Christopher Castellano about the hidden costs of delaying divorce. This second part turns to some of the most personal and practical consequences of waiting too long to move forward, especially when children are involved. David and Chris discuss how informal custody arrangements can quietly become the “status quo,” why temporary financial support decisions may later shape child support or alimony expectations, and how prolonged conflict can increase emotional strain for both parents and children. They also explore the strategic risks of delay, from stale evidence and harder-to-access financial records to resentment that can make settlement more difficult. The conversation also looks at the other side of the issue: when delay may actually be useful, particularly for a financially disadvantaged spouse or when an informal arrangement is working in your favor. For anyone considering separation or divorce, this episode is a practical reminder that waiting is not always neutral, and that getting legal guidance early can help you understand the risks before temporary decisions become long-term consequences.

When someone is considering divorce, waiting can feel like the safer choice. Maybe things will get better. Maybe the timing will be easier. Maybe staying together will protect the kids, the finances, or the family home. But delaying the decision can come with real consequences. In this episode of JGL LAW FOR YOU, David Bulitt sits down with family law attorney Christopher Castellano to discuss the often-overlooked emotional, financial, and strategic costs of putting off divorce. From rising expenses and changing home values to disappearing financial records, hidden accounts, and the toll of living in ongoing uncertainty, they discuss why “waiting it out” may not always protect you the way you hope. This is part one of an important conversation for anyone who is thinking about separation or divorce. The takeaway: you do not have to be ready to file for divorce to get informed. Sometimes, the most important first step is simply understanding your options.

In this episode of JGL LAW FOR YOU, David Bulitt and family law attorney Christopher Castellano discuss the growing reality of “gray divorce” (divorce later in life) and why it often brings a very different set of challenges. From retirement accounts, pensions, and alimony to the future of the family home, adult children’s involvement, and estate planning concerns, David and Chris walk through the key issues that can shape a divorce after the age of 55. Whether you are facing a late-in-life separation or simply want to understand the legal landscape, this episode offers practical insights into one of family law’s most complex and increasingly common situations.

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), you can catch up by listening to the episode.

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.

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 and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of JGL Law For You, family law specialists David Bulitt and Chris Castellano dive deep into the world of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), breaking down negotiation, mediation, settlement conferences, and arbitration. Discover why keeping control of your custody or divorce case—rather than handing it off to an overworked judge—might be the smartest move you make.

In this episode of JGL LAW FOR YOU, JGL attorneys David Bulitt, Drew LaFramboise and Veronica Nannis discuss the class action lawsuit filed against the Psychiatric Institute of Washington, which accuses the hospital of widespread patient mistreatment. They explore the details of the case, providing an in-depth look at the allegations and the legal proceedings. Tune in as they discuss the firm’s role in representing the plaintiff, the potential impact of the class action suit, and what actions patients or former patients of the facility should take now.