
Hosted by JGL Law For You · EN

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.