What Really Happens Before a Custody Trial (And Why It Takes So Long)
Custody trials aren’t a quick “go to court and get a decision” situation. They’re long, expensive, stressful, and logistically complicated—for everyone involved. Most people on the outside imagine something like this: “We have an issue. We go to court. We tell the judge. The judge decides.” I wish it was that simple! Let’s pull back […]
If You’re Thinking About Representing Yourself in Court… Read This First
I’m going to start with one of my all-time favorite sayings in the legal world: “A person who represents themselves has a fool for a client.” Harsh? A little.Accurate? Almost always. And I say that as a practicing family law attorney who still would never represent myself. If I had a business dispute? I’d hire […]
PFAs in Pennsylvania: When Filing Helps You—And When It Hurts Your Custody Case
Today I am unpacking what really happens when someone files a PFA, when you should file one, and the uncomfortable truth: sometimes litigating a PFA can backfire and damage your custody case. First Things First: Pennsylvania Does Not Have “Restraining Orders” Every time you hear someone on TV say, “She got a restraining order,” just […]
Mental Health, Divorce & the Courts: What Pennsylvania Parents Really Need to Know
I’m Julie Potts, a family law attorney practicing exclusively in Chester County, Pennsylvania. I’ve spent over 20 years navigating the complexities of divorce and custody—first as a prosecutor, and now as someone who spends her days helping families through some of the hardest chapters of their lives. And here’s something you should know about me […]
When Can Kids Decide Where They Want to Live? The Truth About Autonomy in Custody Cases
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked, “When can my child decide who they want to live with?”—I could retire early. It’s easily one of the most common questions I hear in my practice, and I’ll be honest: it’s also one of my least favorites. Not because parents shouldn’t wonder. Not because […]
Legal Consultation: What Should I Bring?
One of the most frequently asked questions prospective clients ask when scheduling their initial consultation is, “what should I bring to our legal consultation?”. The list below is an example of what documents you can look to gather in an effort to make the most of your first meeting. If this list seems daunting, rest […]
The Unseen Harm of Derogatory Contact Names in Custody Battles
Often, clients will give me their text messages to show the court what the other person has said to them. These can be very helpful since anything you say can and will be used against you in court. However, other than to stop putting things in writing that you don’t want shown around a court […]
The Impact of Negative Talk About Ex-Partners in Front of Children: Legal and Psychological Perspectives
In the realm of family law, one of the most troubling behaviors that can arise during custody disputes is when parents speak negatively about each other in the presence of their children. This issue is more common than one might think and has significant legal and psychological ramifications that both parents need to be aware […]
Why Recording Your Children During Custody Disputes Is a Bad Idea
In the emotionally charged environment of custody disputes, parents often look for ways to support their case. Unfortunately, one tactic that some parents turn to—videoing their children—is not only ineffective but can backfire significantly in court. Here’s why you should avoid recording your children during custody exchanges or asking them to express their feelings on […]
Understanding Physical Custody in Pennsylvania: The Myth of Automatic 50/50 Custody
One common misconception in Pennsylvania custody cases is that physical custody is automatically split 50/50 between parents. This belief often leads to confusion and frustration for parents navigating the custody process. It’s important to understand that Pennsylvania law does not presume equal custody, and decisions are instead based on the best interests of the child. […]