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.