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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 everything at once.

The conversation also addresses common pressure points that derail resolution: mismatched work schedules, trust issues, support-related suspicions, and situations where one party may feel overpowered. The attorneys discuss how effective mediators handle stalemates, when mediation may be inappropriate, and why even strong court orders can’t “fix” underlying behavior.

The episode closes with a child-centered lens: how kids experience custody conflict, why shared time is often the direction courts lean when safety isn’t an issue, and what parents can do to reduce emotional harm—by focusing less on winning and more on stability, communication, and the child’s best interest.

Show Notes:

Learn more about Julie Potts, Esq on her website https://juliepottsesq.com

Follow Julie on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lawyerjulie

Follow Julie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliepotts_esq

To contact the podcast with questions, suggestions, or if you are interested in being a guest, please e-mail lawyerjulie55@gmail.com

Please remember that this podcast should not be considered legal advice, and you should always consult your own attorney if you have questions or need clarifications about your specific situation.

This episode of Lawfully After Ever was produced and edited by Emily Murphy.

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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 they’re legally balanced.

The conversation also zooms out to explore a bigger truth about family court: what the court can fix, what it can’t, and why chasing courtroom “wins” can sometimes do more harm than good. It’s a candid, behind-the-scenes look at judicial reasoning, expectations vs. reality, and the often-overlooked work that happens outside the courtroom.

Show Notes:

Learn more about Julie Potts, Esq on her website https://juliepottsesq.com

Follow Julie on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lawyerjulie

Follow Julie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliepotts_esq

To contact the podcast with questions, suggestions, or if you are interested in being a guest, please e-mail lawyerjulie55@gmail.com

Please remember that this podcast should not be considered legal advice, and you should always consult your own attorney if you have questions or need clarifications about your specific situation.

This episode of Lawfully After Ever was produced and edited by Emily Murphy.

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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 the often-overlooked impact of third-party caregivers.

Mom takes the stand first, describing routines, anxiety, and decision-making around therapy and medication. Dad follows, explaining why he’s seeking 50/50 custody, how his job has changed, and how he relies on family and a girlfriend for support. From there, we hear from Dad’s boss about work schedules, unpredictability, and the limits of flexibility—testimony that often carries more weight than parents expect.

We also break down the in-camera interviews with the children: what judges listen for, how anxiety and routine factor into custody decisions, and why courts are cautious about labeling kids as “coached” or “manipulated.”

Finally, Julie pulls back the curtain on what actually happens at a custody trial—how testimony is structured, why parents usually testify first, how long real trials last, and what it means when a judge “takes it under advisement” instead of ruling from the bench.

No ruling yet—that’s coming in Part Three. For now, this episode is all about credibility, consistency, and the quiet details that can tip the scales in a custody case.

Show Notes:

Learn more about Julie Potts, Esq on her website https://juliepottsesq.com

Follow Julie on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lawyerjulie

Follow Julie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliepotts_esq

To contact the podcast with questions, suggestions, or if you are interested in being a guest, please e-mail lawyerjulie55@gmail.com

Please remember that this podcast should not be considered legal advice, and you should always consult your own attorney if you have questions or need clarifications about your specific situation.

This episode of Lawfully After Ever was produced and edited by Emily Murphy.