Lawfully Ever After

Send a text In this roundtable episode, Julie is joined by three fellow family law attorneys (Cara Sawyer, Katie Fow, and PJ McGinnis) to explain what custody mediation looks like in real life, especially in Chester & Montgomery Counties, including required steps before court, what “legal custody” actually means, and why mediation is often about making incremental progress rather than solving...

Send a text In the final chapter of our mock custody trial series, Julie steps fully into the role of judge and walks listeners through how custody decisions are actually made. Drawing from real-world family law practice, this episode breaks down the factors judges are required to consider, what “equal” really means in custody cases, and why outcomes often feel emotionally devastating even when th...

Send a text Holloway v. Holloway (Part Two): Testimony, Cross-Examination & What Judges Really Weigh In Part Two of the fictional custody case Holloway v. Holloway , we move past the setup and into the heart of a Pennsylvania custody trial: live testimony. This episode walks listeners through abbreviated, but realistic, direct and cross-examinations of both parents, a workplace witness, and th...

Send a text In Part One of our three-part Judge Julie series, Emily introduces a completely fictional—but highly realistic—Pennsylvania custody case: Holloway v. Holloway. A long-term stay-at-home mom, a traveling dad, two school-aged kids with very different needs—and a dispute over whether 50/50 custody is truly in their best interests. Julie hears the facts for the very first time and shares he...

Send a text This week, we were invited by local Realtor Bela Vora as a guest on her podcast to discuss real estate transactions during divorce: when you should move out, how to negotiate repairs that need to be done, the best timing for appraisals, and how property settlement agreements tie into the process. Check out more of Bela's content on her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com...

Send a text Thinking about representing yourself in family court? In this candid conversation, we break down what “pro se” really means—and why even seasoned attorneys won’t do it. We cover when mediation helps (and its limits), the critical protections people miss in DIY agreements (like securing alimony with life insurance), and the evidentiary traps that derail cases—hello, hearsay and inadmiss...

Send a text In this episode, we break down the do’s and don’ts of PFAs in Pennsylvania—what qualifies, what doesn’t, and how a temporary order can impact your custody case down the line. A practical guide with real-world examples and lessons learned the hard way. Disclaimer: If you are in immediate danger, please always call 911 right away. Show Notes: Learn more about Julie Potts, Esq on her webs...

Send a text Today, we're tackling one of the most common — and most misunderstood — custody questions: When can kids decide where they want to live?   Julie breaks down how Pennsylvania law actually works (hint: kids don't get the final say), why putting children in the middle is damaging, and how judges weigh a child's preference alongside 16 other custody factors.  Plus, we talk a...

Send a text May is Mental Health Awareness Month , and mental health is a very common subject brought up in court for both divorce and custody cases...so let's talk about it! In this episode, Julie Potts, a seasoned family law attorney from Chester County, PA, and co-host Emily discuss how mental health is (and isn't) treated in family court, why transparency with your lawyer is critical...

Send a text In this episode, we're diving into the LawyerJulie TikTok post that stirred up quite the conversation: my take on why women should never be full-time stay-at-home moms—at least not without a backup plan.  Watch the video here:  https://www.tiktok.com/@lawyerjulie/video/7466149689814011178 We break down the financial and personal risks of stepping out of the workforce, the long-ter...

Send a text Are you facing a family law issue and drowning in bad advice from the internet? Announcing The Initial Consult , a future podcast where Pennsylvania family law attorney Julie Potts gives real answers to real people—just like she would in an actual consultation. No sugarcoating, no false hope—just practical legal insight and tough truths to help you make informed decisions. Each episode...

Send a text In this episode of Lawfully Ever After , Julie Potts, Esq. dives into emotionally charged scenarios pulled from Reddit that mirror the challenges of modern relationships and divorce.  From the rise of "gray divorces" to navigating unexpected separation, they explore the interplay of control, independence, and communication in marriages.  They discuss how societal shifts have...

Send a text In this educational episode, Julie and Emily pull back the curtain on the complexities of custody cases, focusing on how trials are scheduled, prepared, and ultimately decided. Julie shares her real-world experience managing a high-stakes case, from the years-long delays caused by procedural rules to the intense preparation required to present evidence and witnesses effectively. Listen...

Send a text In this episode, we dive into the common pitfalls of custody battles and how taking a "scorched earth" approach often backfires.  Julie Potts, Esq. shares real-life examples of cases where focusing on the negative failed and how shifting the narrative to a more positive, cooperative stance led to better outcomes for both parents and children.  We discuss the importance of let...

Send a text In this episode, we tackle the often tricky subject of holidays post-divorce, with practical advice just in time for the holiday season. From Halloween to Christmas, Julie Potts discusses the challenges of sharing holidays, the common mistakes people make, and why it's crucial to keep the focus on the kids. With personal anecdotes and experienced insights, this episode offers tips...

Send a text Ever wondered what it's like to have a consult with Julie? Chances are, you'd hear at least one or two of her most frequently used "Julie-isms".  For example, you may already be familiar with "Get a job!", but I bet you haven't heard: "Litigation is a last resort, not a first response." "If they're trying to get you upset, then wal...

Send a text In this episode, we take real-life custody scenarios anonymously posted on the internet and get @LawyerJulie's overall thoughts, where the law comes in to play, and some ideas of how she might handle the situation. Please remember that Julie is NOT giving legal advice and these are NOT stories from her actual clients. We cover a lot in this episode, including: (00:37) Can a co-par...

Send a text In this episode, @LawyerJulie from TikTok talks about the importance of getting a job to avoid the very common problem of financial abuse in a marriage. Should you get a job if it reduces your spousal support/alimony? How do you afford a divorce if you don't have your own bank account? Julie answers these questions and more.  Show Notes: Learn more about Julie Potts, Esq on her we...

Send a text Emily listened to the Britney Spears audiobook and couldn't wait to get Julie's take on her divorce and custody issues! In this episode we discuss: Generational trauma and the importance of breaking the cycle If you file for divorce first do you have to pay your ex's legal fees? The importance of a solid foundation Should she have lost custody when she was 5150d? Navigat...

Send a text This short episode covers a few random topics: Are the courts reasonable? When is it considered perjury? What's the weirdest "asset" Julie saw clients fighting over? Can you go to pet custody court? Follow Julie on TikTok @LawyerJulie and if you have questions you'd like answered on the podcast, e-mail her lawyerjulie55@gmail.com Show Notes: Learn more about Julie P...

Send a text Today @LawyerJulie talks about something she sees all the time...parents recording their kids to get video "proof" of their kids not wanting to go to the other parent's house, or the kids complaining about the other parent in general. Is this a good idea? Can this video be used in court? What do the judges think? What if it's your spouse or ex-spouse you are recordi...

Send a text Julie Potts Esq (aka @LawyerJulie on TikTok) talks about a very common situation in divorce/custody issues: parties not reporting an increase in income to the other side. Julie discusses some options you have to get to the truth if you suspect your ex has gotten a promotion or is working under the table, and also explains how earning potential is calculated in Pennsylvania, and when yo...

Send a text In this episode, we take real-life custody scenarios anonymously posted on the internet and get @LawyerJulie's overall thoughts, where the law comes in to play, and some ideas of how she might handle the situation. Please remember that Julie is NOT giving legal advice and these are NOT stories from her actual clients. We cover a lot in this episode, including: Do parents have to g...

Send a text One of Julie's biggest pet peeves is when one parent talks poorly about the other parent directly to, or in front of, their child.  She covers alienation, triangulation, and some true story scenarios where the kids were deeply affected by being put in the middle.  This episode has examples, practical tips, and what you might hear in court if you try to influence your child's...

Send a text In this episode, Julie talks about why you should NOT feel uncomfortable or embarrassed sharing details about infidelity with your attorney, and how the Pennsylvania court views this situation in relation to your divorce, division of assets, alimony, and custody. She also covers what exactly is covered by attorney-client privilege in family law, and is there ever a time you should with...