Protect Assets by getting loans?

[Godslove]

Hello, I live in MD with my two children. They see their dad every other weekend. It has been one and a half year since Bpd and I signed the contract of separation and partial settlement. I had a hard time working with my previous lawyers. I worked with the head lawyer and mostly her associate. I recently learned the associate was fired! In the mean time, I hired a new lawyer team (another firm with head L and his associate). With this new team, I served Bpd, then he counter-complaint. Couple days ago I learned that I have to answer his counter complaint and the one month due is almost up. Also my new associate lawyer just got a missing paper from his counter complaint. On the missing paper, Bpd will relocate to where I live and is requesting primary physical or shared custody! It took three weeks to get the paper. During that time, I received a discovery from his lawyer and five days later my lawyer sent discovery to him. Now I have about 20 days to prepare this documents.

Today I had a second meeting with my lawyers. I told them my previous experience working with the associate and it did not go well and it really hurt my situation. They apologized for the late response to answer the counter-compliant and getting the missing paper. I told them when it comes to mediation or going to court, I want the head lawyer to come with me which they agreed. I told him I want to settle out of court but for custody, I want full legal and physical custody even if it will be a long fight. I have trust in the head lawyer as he is very knowledgeable and seems to grasp whole picture quickly. but he did not seem to remember much from the initial meeting. Also, he asked questions to his associate who mainly communicated with like did you do this? Did you call the other lawyer, etc. The associate did not have much opinion, giving me an impression of secretary. I am in dilemma. 1. Do I quickly find another lawyer who works alone (I actually have one lawyer with great recommendation, cheaper) or Be assertive and involve the head lawyer as much as possible by requesting a meeting regularly? Awww, Meeting a good lawyer seems to be soo hard!

Also, the head lawyer told me today when I asked him how to protect my assets as much as possible. He said that in MD all the savings and debts are considered to be marital until the date of divorce. M already spent a lot getting new cars, etc and got $70000 loan from the bank after separation based on his financial statement. I have been saving money to put down payment of house in the future. The lawyer advised me to buy a big purchase with a loan, paying off all the personal loans so that I do not have much savings. I have never heard of this. I read on websites savings or debts after separation is separated, not martial. I am researching website about MD but can not find any info. What is your advise on this? Thanks!