Author: JGL Law

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.

This article is part two of a series relating to rideshare safety. Read part one here.

Why are pedestrians vulnerable in rideshare accidents? The fact is that many Uber or Lyft drivers navigate by using their cellular phones instead of street signs. These drivers juggle GPS navigation, pings from the app, and constant passenger ratings, all while driving through crowded intersections.

Follow these steps if you are a pedestrian or bicyclist hit by an Uber/Lyft driver.

Number one – the first action is always to call 911. As many pedestrian versus car accidents involve serious injuries, pedestrians rely on having EMS respond to the scene as fast as possible. When the police arrive, they can ensure the incident is properly reported and also perform an investigation as to the crash, take pictures, and interview possible witnesses.

If the police do not come quickly, make sure you obtain the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all drivers and witnesses. Take pictures. Your phone is usually not far from your hand. Taking pictures of vehicles, the street, the other people can be your most valuable evidence. Ask for and obtain the driver’s license and insurance card for the drivers; again, take pictures.

If you need medical assistance, listen to the EMTS and EMS professionals. They have the experience and deal with these types of incidents on a daily basis. You may feel fine, but many injuries are not visibly seen, especially concussions.

What should I do afterwards?

You may file a claim for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) if you own a car or someone in your household owns a car with PIP coverage. This is no-fault coverage, which does not affect your car insurance premiums and can help to cover your medical bills and lost wages. In Maryland, coverage can range from $2,500 to $10,000.

You have the right to sue the Uber/Lyft driver. But be aware, the amount of insurance coverage depends upon whether the driver was “on the app” and in what stage of the ride share event it is.

If the driver has the application turned off

A driver’s personal auto insurance covers the driver when the app is offline. Drivers must maintain personal automobile insurance at mandatory minimum limits and provide proof of your insurance to drive and deliver with a vehicle with Uber.

If the driver has the application on (waiting for request)

Uber provides a third-party liability insurance that covers the cost of injuries or damage in at least the following amounts:

• $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries
• $25,000 in property damage per accident
• Maryland coverage includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage which includes a $1000 deductible to the drivers.

If the driver is in route or has a passenger on-trip

Uber insurance covers at least $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries to riders and third parties involved in an accident where the Uber driver is at fault. Read Insurance to help protect you.

What type of damages can I get?

Economic Damages

Property damage to your bicycle or anything you were holding or carrying; unpaid medical bills and expenses related to your recovery; expenses for future medical care; lost wages for an inability to work or while you are healing; future lost wages if you suffer a disability that impacts your future earnings and job.

Non-Economic Damages

You are entitled to pain and suffering damages from your injuries, emotional distress, post-traumatic distress, and mental suffering.

If you have been hit by a rideshare vehicle while walking, you should be sure to file a claim with your No-Fault insurance provider. No-Fault benefits include Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Property Protection (PPI), and Residual Liability Insurance. This coverage can help cover medical bills and lost wages as well as provide compensation to any victims if you were at fault for the accident.

Other Ways to Protect Yourself?

Although Uber and Lyft perform background checks and vehicle inspections, they cannot anticipate every possible event. On some applications, drivers are rated and are required to maintain a minimum average rating to prevent deactivation. Drivers must also comply with company policies which prevent fraud, maintain safety standards and prevent discrimination.

• Share your trip details with a friend or family member. Let someone know when you are going out and provide them with your anticipated route.
• Be sure to carry a flashlight or wear reflective clothing if you are walking or biking in the dark.
• Obey all traffic regulations which means walking on the sidewalk where possible, biking in the marked bike lanes, crossing at the crosswalk where possible, and adhering to pedestrian walk signals at intersections.
• Always carry with you a cell phone, a picture identification, and if possible, your health insurance card, in case of an emergency.

Can a pedestrian be at fault?

The short answer is, yes. Dangerous actions like jaywalking, darting onto the roads, or crossing the street outside of the crosswalk can lead to a pedestrian being found contributorily negligent. If an accident occurs in Washington DC, there are additional protections for pedestrians and cyclists as DC follows comparative negligence, so even if your actions were dangerous, you may still be able to collect.

Call the experienced attorneys at Joseph, Greenwald, & Laake, P.A.

You can protect your legal rights. Experienced attorneys know how to get you fair compensation if you are injured in a pedestrian accident in Maryland, Virginia or the District of Columbia.

Get the facts. Get educated.

Joseph Greenwald & Laake is pleased to announce that Kaitlin Leary has been elevated to Senior Counsel.

Kaitlin is an experienced civil litigator who practices in state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate levels. Her work spans labor and employment law, financial services litigation, consumer protection, and criminal defense, with a focus on representing individuals harmed by corporate or governmental misconduct.

Kaitlin received her J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Maryland and a dual B.S./B.A., with a University Honors Certificate, from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Timothy Maloney was quoted in an article published by The Baltimore Sun on February 5, 2026, following a Baltimore County Circuit Court decision that overturned the termination of his client, a former assistant manager at Gunpowder Falls State Park.

In a written decision issued January 30, 2026, Circuit Court Judge Thomas R. Tompsett Jr. ruled that the Maryland Department of Natural Resources failed to follow required procedures when it terminated the employee in 2022. The court concluded that the agency did not comply with its own rules and regulations and that the termination could not stand.

Tim, who represented the employee throughout the proceedings, emphasized the importance of due process for public workers. “As the court correctly found, Mr. Hughes was denied the basic procedural safeguards that most state employees are entitled to.”

The court agreed with arguments advanced by Tim that the agency failed to meet with his client before termination, did not adequately investigate the allegations, and did not provide proper notice or explanation of the evidence against him.

Read The Baltimore Sun article “Judge voids firing of Gunpowder Falls assistant manager.” (PDF)

Michal Shinnar will serve as a co‑panelist at an upcoming program hosted by the American University Labor & Employment Law Society titled “Know Your Rights – and How Trump is Changing Them: A Conversation with Disabled and Disability Law Practitioners.” The event will take place on February 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Panelists will discuss current legal protections, recent policy developments, and the practical impact these changes may have on individuals with disabilities.

Gia Grimm will speak at the American University Law Review 2026 Annual Spring Symposium, which will be held on February 6 at the Washington College of Law. The Symposium brings together legal scholars and practitioners to examine current and emerging issues in labor and employment law.

Gia will co-present on the Employee Privacy Rights Panel, where she will discuss the evolving legal landscape governing employee monitoring and workplace privacy. Her remarks will address the current limits on employer tracking practices, including keystroke logging, internet usage monitoring, and screen surveillance, as well as practical steps employees can take to assert their rights, such as seeking transparency around monitoring policies.

Additional sessions at the Symposium will cover a range of timely labor and employment topics, including Title VII and recent Supreme Court decisions, whistleblower protections, and the classification of student athletes as employees.

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 Maryland Divorce Basics: From Filing to Final Judgment (Part 2).

Recent national events have again thrust law enforcement’s use of force into the spotlight. In Minneapolis, the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents have sparked protests and renewed questions about when officers are legally allowed to use force and what recourse exists when that force crosses the line.

While every situation is different, police use of force in the United States is governed by well-established legal rules rooted in the Constitution.

The Basic Legal Rule: Reasonableness

The Fourth Amendment protects people from “unreasonable” searches and seizures. The U.S. Supreme Court interpreted this protection to mean that police may only use force that is objectively reasonable under the circumstances. In simple terms, the law asks: Would a reasonable officer in the same situation believe that force was necessary at that moment? Officers may only use force when it is needed to gain control of a situation or to protect the safety of officers or others, and only when less forceful options are not reasonably available.

When reviewing a use-of-force incident, courts look at several common factors, including:

• The severity of the suspected crime
• Whether the person posed an immediate threat to the officers or the public
• Whether the suspect was resisting arrest or attempting to flee

Courts look at all the information available to the officer in that moment, and even when force is necessary, it must remain proportional to the situation.

Deadly force—force that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury—is subject to the strictest legal limits. Police may only use deadly force when they reasonably believe an individual poses an imminent threat of death or serious physical harm to the officer or to another person. Deadly force cannot be used solely to prevent someone from fleeing, and it generally cannot be used against someone who poses a danger only to themselves or to property.

Modern policing standards emphasize de-escalation tactics and techniques, meaning officers should attempt to calm situations and gain voluntary compliance when it is safe and reasonable to do so before resorting to force.

Officers also have a duty to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force or otherwise engaging in conduct that violates the Constitution, the law, or departmental policy. Failing to step in can itself create legal liability.

What Counts as Excessive Force?

Excessive force occurs when police use more force than is reasonably necessary for the situation. This may include:

• Using force that greatly exceeds what the circumstances require
• Continuing to use force after a person has been restrained or subdued
• Failing to attempt less forceful alternatives when time and conditions permit
• Using prohibited or dangerous techniques
• Using force as punishment rather than for control or protection

Civil Remedies: What Legal Options Exist?

Excessive force can sometimes lead to criminal charges against an officer. But even if no criminal charges are filed, a person may still have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit for unlawful or excessive force.

Individuals may bring civil rights lawsuits against state or local officers and, in some cases, the government agencies that employ them. These lawsuits can seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, additional damages may be available, and courts may order changes to police policies or training.

Victims may also have claims under state law, such as assault, battery, or wrongful death. These claims vary by state and may be subject to special rules or limits on damages.

When federal officers are involved, different legal pathways apply, including claims against individual officers for constitutional violations and claims against the federal government for wrongful acts committed in the scope of employment.

In many civil rights cases, law enforcement officers raise the defense of qualified immunity, which can shield them from personal liability unless the law clearly established that their conduct was unlawful at the time. The doctrine is intended to allow officers to perform their duties without constant fear of litigation, but it does not protect officers who are plainly incompetent or who knowingly violate the law. Even so, qualified immunity has been widely criticized as it often limits civil claims even when serious injuries occur and remains a significant hurdle in excessive-force litigation. Some states, including Maryland, have enacted laws that restrict certain immunity protections and provide additional avenues for accountability under state law.

Key Takeaway

The rules on police use of force apply to all officers—local, state and federal, including ICE. While agencies may have different policies or training, every officer is bound by the same constitutional limits. Understanding these limits helps the public recognize when force may have crossed the line. Even when the Constitution sets the baseline, civil lawsuits often provide real accountability, transparency and sometimes systemic change.

In an article published by Law360 on January 22, 2026, Veronica Nannis examined major False Claims Act (FCA) trends, verdicts, settlements and initiatives from 2025 – a year that also marked the start of a new presidential administration.

She notes that FCA enforcement remained strong in traditional areas such as healthcare fraud, while newer and more controversial initiatives – particularly those targeting alleged illegal diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and gender-affirming care – also emerged. Overall, she writes, the trend toward litigating FCA cases continues to gain momentum and shows little sign of slowing, with both defendants and relators increasingly willing to take risks.

Veronica also discusses notable jury verdicts and appeals, observing that settlements were far more common. Many of the largest settlements centered on healthcare, including a nationwide takedown in June involving 324 defendants charged with more than $14.6 billion in alleged fraud. Other significant settlements involved tariffs and cybersecurity, with the latter producing several cases likely to pave the way for future enforcement actions.

A key takeaway, Veronica concludes, is that the FCA is alive and well, and while traditional fraud areas continue to be a priority, new initiatives – particularly those tied to civil rights and healthcare ideology — will likely face significant legal challenges.

Read the full article “Key False Claims Act Trends From The Last Year.” (PDF)

Darin Rumer recently achieved a successful appellate result for a mother in a child custody modification case.

The parents, who were not married, shared joint legal custody of their child under a January 2024 court order. That order awarded the mother primary physical custody, with the father exercising parenting time every other weekend. In April 2025, the father filed an emergency motion seeking temporary custody.

Following an emergency hearing, the trial court granted the father’s motion in part and entered an Emergency Custody Order temporarily modifying the existing custody arrangement. Darin filed an appeal on the mother’s behalf to the Appellate Court of Maryland.

On appeal, the appeals court held that the trial court erred by issuing an Emergency Custody Order without first determining whether a material change in circumstances had occurred and whether the requested modification was in the child’s best interests. As a result, the Appellate Court vacated the emergency order and remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with its opinion. 

One of the most common sources of confusion for people facing marital conflict in Maryland is the legal terminology. Terms like separation, divorce, litigation, mediation, and settlement are used interchangeably, yet each has a distinct legal meaning and very different consequences. Understanding these differences is essential before making decisions that affect your finances, your children, and your legal rights.

This article explains how these and other terms work in Maryland family law and how they often intersect in your case.

1. What “Separation” Means in Maryland

Unlike some states, Maryland does not have a formal legal status called “legal separation.” In Maryland, separation simply means that spouses are living “separate and apart”, with the intent that the marital relationship has ended. Separation can occur:

• In different residences, or,
• In the same home, if the spouses live independently (often referred to as “separation under the same roof”).

Separation is legally significant because it may:

• Serve as a prerequisite for certain divorce grounds,
• Impact custody and child support arrangements,
• Suggest a date for the division of property in the context of a settlement.

However, separation alone does not end the marriage, divide property, or create enforceable financial obligations unless a court order or agreement exists.

2. Divorce: Absolute vs. Limited Divorce

Maryland only recognizes one type of divorce, an Absolute Divorce. An absolute divorce permanently dissolves the marriage. Once granted, spouses are legally single and free to remarry.

An absolute divorce judgment may address:

• Custody and parenting time
• Child support
• Alimony
• Division of marital property
• Allocation of marital debt

Most people seeking a divorce ultimately pursue an absolute divorce, even if they begin with separation or negotiations.

Prior to the State of Maryland’s legislative change to the grounds for divorce, a limited divorce existed as a “legal separation” whereby temporary orders could be entered to deal with custody, financial support, or use and possession of the family home. Now, limited divorce is no longer a feature of Maryland law.

3. Agreements: Separation Agreements and Settlement Agreements

Many Maryland divorce cases are resolved through written agreements, rather than a contested trial. A separation or marital settlement agreement is a contract between spouses that may address:

• Property division,
• Support obligations,
• Custody and parenting schedules,
• Responsibility for expenses,
• Future dispute resolution.

These agreements can be:

• Executed before a divorce is filed,
• Incorporated into a divorce judgment,
• Enforced as contracts or court orders.

Agreements offer several advantages:

• Greater control over outcomes,
• Reduced cost and emotional strain,
• Privacy (as opposed to public court proceedings).

However, poorly drafted agreements can create long-term problems. Once incorporated into a judgment, modifying them can be difficult.

4. Litigation: When the Court Decides

Litigation occurs when spouses cannot reach an agreement and ask the court to decide contested issues. Litigated cases will often include all issues arising out of the marriage. Litigation occurs when one of the spouses files a Complaint for Absolute Divorce with the Court in the county in which you reside. The Complaint may ask the Court for any number of points of relief, including:

• Custody and parenting time,
• Child support or alimony,
• Valuation and division of assets,
• A monetary award,
• Attorneys’ fees.

Because litigation is the formal process of contesting your divorce in the Court, the process includes the common aspects of the court process, such as:

• Pleadings and motions,
• Discovery (financial disclosures, subpoenas, depositions),
• Hearings and trial,
• Judicial rulings based on evidence and testimony.

While litigation is sometimes necessary, particularly in high-conflict or high-asset cases, it is often more expensive, time-consuming, and unpredictable than negotiated resolutions.

Notably, when a case enters the phase of litigation, this does not prevent people from deciding to settle their case and avoid the continuation of litigation. In fact, a settlement of a case remains possible until the proverbial gavel is dropped by the presiding Judge during a final trial in a case.

5. How These Concepts Work Together in Real Cases

In practice, most Maryland family law cases involve acombination of these elements:

• A couple separates,
• Negotiates some issues by agreement,
• Litigates the left over/most contentious issues,
• Ultimately obtains an absolute divorce.

There is no single “right” path. The appropriate approach depends on:

• The level of conflict,
• Financial complexity,
• Safety concerns,
• Whether children are involved,
• Each party’s willingness to negotiate in good faith.

It is critically important not compare your case to a family or friend’s prior case. While divorce cases can often follow a similar path, each family’s unique set of facts and emotions makes each and every case distinct.

6. Why Legal Guidance Matters Early

Misunderstanding these family law terms can lead to costly mistakes, such as assuming separation alone provides legal protection or signing an agreement without understanding its long-term implications. Speaking with a Maryland family law attorney early can help you:

• Understand your options,
• Choose the right process for your situation,
• Avoid unnecessary litigation,
• Protect your financial and parental rights.

Final Thoughts

Separation, divorce, agreements, and litigation are tools, not outcomes. Knowing how they differ and how they interact allows you to make informed and strategic decisions during what will inevitably prove to be one of the most difficult periods of time in your life. If you are considering separation or divorce, a consultation can help clarify next steps and put you on a path that aligns with your goals.

Super Lawyers has named 13 attorneys from JGL’s Maryland offices to its 2026 Maryland Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. In addition, Lindsay Parvis was named to the Top 100 Super Lawyers list in Maryland and the Top 50 Women Super Lawyers list in Maryland.

Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers in over 70 practice areas, who have achieved a high degree of professional achievement and peer recognition. The annual selection process combines independent research, peer nominations and evaluations, with no more than five percent of each state’s attorneys named to the Super Lawyers list and no more than 2.5 percent named to the Rising Stars list.

The following attorneys were named to the 2026 Super Lawyers list:

Greenbelt, MD

• Andy Greenwald – Medical Malpractice
• Jay P. Holland – Employment & Labor
• Timothy F. Maloney – General Litigation
• Steven M. Pavsner – Personal Injury – Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff

Rockville, MD

• David M. Bulitt – Family Law
• Jeffrey N. Greenblatt – Family Law
• Lindsay Parvis – Family Law

The following attorneys were named to the 2026 Super Lawyers Rising Stars list:

Rising Stars

• Bridget Cardinale – Civil Litigation: Plaintiff
• Christopher R. Castellano – Family Law
• Virginia B. Grimm – Civil Litigation: Plaintiff
• Kaitlin Leary – Employment & Labor
• Alyse Prawde – Civil Litigation: Plaintiff
• Kevin S. Redden – Business Litigation