The Last Friday Before Christmas: A Unique Perspective from a Divorce Lawyer and an Estate Planning Attorney

The Friday before Christmas — a day filled with last-minute shopping, office parties, and the countdown to holiday magic. But for family law and estate planning attorneys, it’s also one of the most unique (and sometimes busiest) days of the year. Why? Because this is the moment when people start reflecting on their lives, their families, and their futures.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at why this particular Friday matters from the perspectives of a divorce lawyer and an estate planning attorney.

From the Desk of a Divorce Lawyer

1. The "I Can't Do This Another Year" Moment

The holiday season often brings emotions to the surface. For some, it’s a season of joy, but for others, it’s a time of reflection — and sometimes, realization. By the last Friday before Christmas, many people have had enough. Family gatherings, financial strain, and unresolved conflicts can push them to a breaking point.

For divorce lawyers, this Friday marks the beginning of a "pre-New Year’s resolution" wave. People start thinking, "Do I really want to go through another holiday season like this?" and they reach out for guidance. This makes the Friday before Christmas one of the most common days for inquiries about separation and divorce.

2. Preparing for the New Year’s Rush

The new year is notorious for being "Divorce Season." People often wait until after the holidays to officially file, but they start planning well in advance. On this Friday, divorce lawyers receive inquiries from clients who want to "get their ducks in a row" for January. It’s a day filled with consultations, answering urgent questions, and providing advice to those ready to make a change in the new year.

3. Handling Last-Minute Custody Disputes

If parents have joint custody, the last Friday before Christmas can be a day of stress, especially if holiday parenting schedules aren’t clear. Tensions run high as parents negotiate who gets the kids for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the days leading up to New Year’s. Last-minute disputes sometimes require emergency legal action, and attorneys must be ready to help navigate these high-pressure situations.

From the Desk of an Estate Planning Attorney

1. "I Need to Get My Affairs in Order" Syndrome

The holidays have a way of making people think about their legacy. With family gathered under one roof, conversations about "what happens if..." are inevitable. The Friday before Christmas often prompts people to schedule meetings with estate planning attorneys.

People start asking, "Do I have a will in place? Is my family protected if something happens to me?" It’s a time when clients, especially parents and grandparents, think about ensuring their loved ones are provided for — and that they’re not leaving behind a legal mess. This reflection can lead to a sudden influx of new clients booking appointments to draft or update their wills, trusts, and other estate documents.

2. Holiday Gifting Brings Financial Reflection

The holiday season revolves around giving, but for some, it’s also a reminder of larger financial responsibilities. People start thinking about gifting assets or setting up financial plans for their children and grandchildren. Some clients want to make charitable donations before the end of the year to maximize tax benefits. The Friday before Christmas is prime time for these discussions.

3. Handling "Holiday Emergencies"

Believe it or not, emergencies happen in estate planning, too. Sometimes, people experience health issues over the holiday season, and families realize that critical legal documents (like powers of attorney or healthcare proxies) are missing or outdated. The Friday before Christmas can bring in a flurry of last-minute requests for "urgent" estate planning — because no one wants to deal with it on Christmas Eve.

Why This Friday Matters So Much

For most people, the last Friday before Christmas is a day of excitement and anticipation. But for divorce lawyers and estate planning attorneys, it’s a day of reflection, preparation, and sometimes, urgency. People begin to see the "bigger picture" during the holiday season, and they’re more motivated to make life changes — whether that means filing for divorce or creating an estate plan to protect their loved ones.

While others are rushing to grab last-minute gifts or bake cookies, divorce and estate planning attorneys are helping people secure their futures. It's a day of endings and new beginnings, all wrapped up in one.

If this Friday feels different for you this year, and you’re thinking about your family, your future, or your legacy, don’t wait for January. Reach out to a trusted attorney for guidance. The best gift you can give yourself — and your family — is peace of mind.