Presidents’ Day Plot Twist: When Lesser-Known Holidays Mess With Your Case

👉 Not every court closure comes with fireworks. Here’s how to plan around the sneakier holidays that can slow your case.

When most people think of court closures, they picture the big ones: Thanksgiving, Christmas, maybe the Fourth of July. But tucked quietly into the calendar are other federal holidays that don’t get nearly as much attention. These lesser-known days often arrive without much fanfare, yet they still cause the same complete courthouse shutdowns that can stall a case in its tracks.

Presidents’ Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and similar federal observances may not come with family gatherings or fireworks, but they are official court holidays. If you’re in the middle of a divorce, child custody dispute, or estate matter, these quiet closures can lead to real and frustrating delays, especially if you didn’t see them coming.

📅 The “Quiet Holiday” Closures You Can’t Ignore

Several federal holidays are observed by courts throughout Alabama, even when other parts of daily life continue as usual. These include Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, Presidents’ Day in February, Columbus Day in October, and Veterans Day in November. While many schools and businesses remain open on these days, courts do not. That disconnect can easily cause confusion for individuals trying to meet a filing deadline or attend a scheduled hearing.

Because these holidays don’t always affect the general public in the same way as major celebrations like Christmas or Independence Day, they have a tendency to sneak up. Unfortunately, for legal matters on a tight timeline, being caught off guard can be costly.

📜 Why Courts Close for These Lesser-Known Holidays

Although they may seem minor to some, these federal holidays are part of a broader system of government recognition and employment structure. Judges, clerks, and court staff are government employees who receive these holidays as part of their official schedules. The closure of the courts is not just symbolic; it ensures coordination across government departments and legal offices.

For example, on a day like Presidents’ Day, not only is the courthouse closed, but so are related agencies such as child support enforcement offices, public defenders’ offices, and prosecutorial teams. These closures make it impractical—if not impossible—for the legal system to operate as usual. The intention behind recognizing these days is to honor civic history and public service, and courts, being central to the democratic process, follow suit.

🕰 Why These Minor Holidays Matter More Than You Think

Even a short delay in the court system can trigger a chain reaction. When a court is closed, your paperwork doesn’t move, hearings can’t be held, and no rulings are issued. For someone counting on a custody modification to take effect, a protection order to be processed, or a support hearing to proceed, even a one-day interruption can push things further down the calendar.

These holidays often fall on Mondays, which adds another layer of complexity. A three-day weekend may seem relaxing at first, but it means that any deadlines scheduled for Monday roll forward, hearings need to be rescheduled, and court staff return to a backlog of work. For clients already feeling the pressure of a family law issue, that extra wait can feel endless.

📁 Legal Processes That Can Be Disrupted

It’s easy to assume that only high-profile trials or complicated litigation gets impacted, but these lesser-known closures touch nearly every area of family law. Divorce hearings set for a Monday may be rescheduled weeks out if the docket is already full. Child support enforcement orders can face processing delays. Probate matters might hit filing snags when banks and government offices close along with the courts.

Even electronic filing isn’t immune. While you may be able to submit a document online, it will not be reviewed or officially recorded until the court opens again. That means filing on a holiday could lead to a timestamp that doesn’t reflect your intended deadline. In cases where time is critical, that distinction could make all the difference.

🧭 How to Stay on Track Around These Holidays

You don’t need to memorize the entire federal holiday calendar, but it’s wise to keep a list of court-observed holidays close at hand. Be especially mindful of deadlines that fall on or near a Monday, and build in extra time to submit paperwork. If you're unsure whether a specific holiday is observed in your local court, the clerk’s office can provide clarification.

It's also a good idea to communicate early and clearly with your attorney. Ask whether an upcoming closure might affect your case timeline, and adjust your filing strategy accordingly. Staying flexible and informed is the best way to avoid an unexpected gap in your progress.

🕯 Final Thought: Quiet Days, Big Disruptions

A court closure doesn’t have to come with a parade or a long line at the airport to cause disruption. For someone dealing with a legal matter—especially one involving family law—a single missed filing or rescheduled hearing can mean weeks of lost time and emotional stress.

At The Harris Firm, we understand how these quiet holidays can make a loud impact. Our team helps clients anticipate delays, prepare for hidden deadlines, and file early so nothing gets left behind when the doors close. If you have a court action coming up, now is the time to look ahead and avoid the legal version of a Monday morning surprise.

✅ Court Holiday Checklist: Stay Ahead of the Quiet Closures

Use this list to avoid getting blindsided by lesser-known holidays that still shut down the courts — and plan your filings, hearings, and deadlines with confidence.

📅 Know the Holidays Courts Observe

These federal holidays may not stop the school day or your job, but they do close the courthouse doors:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day – 3rd Monday in January
  
  
• Presidents’ Day – 3rd Monday in February
  
  
• Columbus Day – 2nd Monday in October
  
  
• Veterans Day – November 11 (or nearest weekday if on weekend)
  
  
• Juneteenth – June 19 (increasingly observed by state courts)
  
  

Tip: Some counties may also observe local or state-specific holidays. When in doubt, call the clerk’s office to confirm.

📝 Filing and Scheduling Tips

Avoid last-minute surprises by building these habits into your case planning:

• Submit paperwork 1–2 business days early if a deadline falls near a holiday
  
  
• Double-check hearing dates that fall on Mondays or Fridays — they may shift
  
  
• Contact the clerk to confirm open hours if filing near a federal holiday
  
  
• Don’t rely on e-filing alone to count for a deadline — if the court’s closed, your submission may not be processed until it reopens
  
  

🧭 Coordinate With Your Attorney

Working with a child custody lawyer? Here’s how to stay in sync around the holidays:

• Let your attorney know about any potential schedule conflicts early
  
  
• Ask how upcoming holidays might affect your filing window or court appearance
  
  
• Review your legal calendar together at the start of each new season
  
  
• Keep a shared list of confirmed court dates and deadlines in one place