When Court Becomes a Horror Story: Real-Life Scares from the Family Law Frontlines - Ep 48

In the Halloween edition of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston trade ghost stories for real-life courtroom horror tales that only family lawyers could tell. Over an eerie and playful “Blood Bag” cocktail—a mix of hibiscus tea and tequila—they share their most unforgettable (and sometimes unbelievable) moments from the courtroom.

While the tone is lighthearted, the stories reveal the intense emotions, unpredictable drama, and sometimes absurd situations that unfold in family law. From volatile hearings to Halloween-themed custody disputes, Episode 48 reminds listeners that when it comes to divorce and custody cases, truth can be stranger—and scarier—than fiction.

A Halloween Special: Horror Stories from the Courtroom

Bryan kicks things off with a story that every young attorney can relate to—being put on the spot by a judge. Early in his career, he recalls being asked in open court to explain the statutory child support cap. “I froze,” he laughs. “I’m standing there thinking, this is in your book, judge—it’s the number you’re supposed to know!”

Janice, ever the voice of calm, points out that moments like these are part of every lawyer’s growth. “You were a baby lawyer,” she teases. “Those are the stories that make you better.”

From there, the Egglestons dive into tales that are both funny and unsettling—like a case where a judge and a public defender actually fought outside the courtroom, or a time when an angry litigant charged toward Bryan after being sent to jail for violating a court order.

When Real Life Turns Chilling

As the conversation continues, Janice recalls a heartbreaking memory—losing a client to illness during active litigation. “She called me from her hospital bed, wanting to talk,” Janice says quietly. “I was planning to see her the next morning, but she passed away that night.”

The tragedy was compounded by the fact that her client’s ex-partner—previously under supervised visitation—automatically gained the right to custody under Texas law. “We fought to protect that child,” Janice says. “Sometimes our clients’ cases become personal. You carry them with you.”

Bryan agrees, noting that family law often brings out both the best and worst in people. “You see the depth of love parents have for their kids,” he says. “But you also see what pain, anger, and loss can do when emotions take over.”

Halloween, Kids, and Custody

Toward the end of the episode, the couple shift gears to something lighter: how Halloween fits into custody schedules. Surprisingly, the holiday isn’t part of Texas’ Standard Possession Order, though more parents are requesting to include it in their agreements.

“It’s become more important in recent years,” Janice explains. “Parents want to be part of trick-or-treating and the memories that come with it.”

Bryan adds with a grin, “If it’s not in your order, make sure you talk to your attorney about adding it—because missing Halloween can be scarier than any courtroom horror story.”

The Takeaway

Episode 48 of Cases & Cocktails delivers the perfect mix of humor and heart. Between the laughter, the scares, and the real-world lessons, Bryan and Janice remind listeners that behind every “horror story” is a family fighting for stability—and lawyers doing their best to help them get there.

So, as Bryan says with a smile, “Family law can feel like razor blades in your candy—but with the right lawyer, you’ll make it through the nightmare just fine.”