JGL Law For You

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Joseph, Greenwald and Laake has been representing clients in suburban Maryland and the District of Columbia for almost 50 years. With offices in Greenbelt and Rockville, Maryland, we have lawyers who focus their practices in diverse areas of the law, including employment and whistleblower actions, family law, estates and trusts, civil rights, business planning and commercial litigation, personal injury, medical and professional negligence. JGL LAW FOR YOU brings you up close and personal with our lawyers who will be discussing how to navigate the many legal processes, developments in the law, other current events and how they may affect you.

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October 23, 202624 min

The 50/50 Myth: What Maryland Judges Really Consider in a Custody Case

Is 50/50 custody automatic when parents separate or divorce? In this episode of JGL LAW FOR YOU, David Bulitt and family law attorney Christopher Castellano discuss one of the most common – and misunderstood – myths in family law. As David and Chris explain, Maryland law has no presumption of equal time sharing; every custody decision starts from what is in the best interest of the child. During the podcast, they explore the factors Maryland’s custody statute now requires judges to consider, including the catch-all “kitchen sink” factor, and explain why the details of everyday parenting, such as who gets the kids ready in the morning, who helps with homework, how far apart the parents live and how well the parents communicate, can make a real difference. They also discuss how much weight a child’s own wishes carry, when equal time sharing tends to work, and what parents can do to prepare for a custody dispute. For anyone facing separation or divorce, this episode offers practical insight into what Maryland courts consider when deciding custody, what parents will need to demonstrate in court, and why, whenever possible, working together is better for everyone, especially the children.

September 30, 202617 min

Privacy, Not Secrecy: How Maryland’s New Law Shields Divorce Filings from Public View

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.

August 30, 202626 min

Before You Post: When Social Media Becomes Evidence in a Custody Dispute

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?

July 31, 202622 min

Protecting the Spouse Who Steps Away: Career Sacrifice Clauses in Prenuptial Agreements

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.

June 18, 202622 min

The Hidden Cost of Waiting for Divorce: Part 2 - Children, Support, and Strategic Consequences

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.

May 19, 202622 min

The Hidden Cost of Waiting for Divorce: Part 1

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.

April 6, 202622 min

Gray Divorce in Maryland: What to Know About Divorce Later in Life

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.

February 17, 202632 min

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

January 28, 202618 min

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.

November 24, 202529 min

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 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.