Thanksgiving is a holiday families look forward to every year. Children get a break from school, parents often take time off work, and many families travel or gather with loved ones. But for parents who share custody, the Thanksgiving holiday can be confusing without a clear understanding of the parental visitation schedule in Arkansas.
At MGW Law Partners, we regularly help parents in Benton, Washington, and Madison Counties understand how holiday schedules work. Family law attorney and partner Buffie Merryman recently explained how Arkansas courts handle the Thanksgiving break and why it differs from regular weekend visitation.
How Arkansas Defines the Thanksgiving Visitation Period
A common misunderstanding among co-parents is when the Thanksgiving holiday officially begins. Under the parental visitation schedule Arkansas courts follow, Thanksgiving break begins the Friday before Thanksgiving when children are released from school.
This means the holiday is not limited to Thanksgiving Day or the surrounding weekend. Instead, the break is a specific, court-recognized period. It also overrides normal weekend visitation, which often surprises parents who expect the regular schedule to continue uninterrupted.
When the Holiday Break Ends
The Thanksgiving break continues until the Monday after Thanksgiving, when children return to school.
For example, this year the break runs from Friday, November 21st through Monday, December 1st. Whether a parent typically has time scheduled on the weekend before or after Thanksgiving does not matter. The Arkansas parental visitation schedule assigns the holiday in full to one parent each year, and that takes priority over any standard visitation rotation.
Which Parent Has Thanksgiving Break This Year?
Although Benton, Washington, and Madison Counties organize their calendars slightly differently, all three follow the same rules for Thanksgiving visitation. The holiday alternates from year to year.
Here’s what that looks like:
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In Benton County, Parent 2 receives the Thanksgiving break this year.
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In Washington and Madison Counties, the custodial parent is designated for 2025, with alternating years after that.
If you are unsure whether you are listed as Parent 1 or Parent 2, or if your order defines custodial and non-custodial parenting differently, reviewing your decree can help. MGW Law Partners can also clarify your schedule if the language in your order is unclear.
Why Understanding the Holiday Schedule Matters
Holiday visitation disagreements typically arise when parents rely on memory or personal assumptions. Understanding the parental visitation schedule in Arkansas helps prevent conflict, eliminates last-minute surprises, and gives children a consistent and peaceful holiday experience.
Buffie Merryman encourages parents to review their orders early, communicate respectfully, and prioritize stability for their children during major holidays. When parents understand the structure of Arkansas visitation laws, it becomes easier to plan travel, coordinate family gatherings, and reduce holiday stress.
Need Guidance on Custody or Visitation?
At MGW Law Partners, our family law team is committed to helping Arkansas families navigate custody, visitation schedules, and holiday planning with confidence. If you need help interpreting your visitation order or modifying an existing schedule, we are here to support you. Call for a free consultation today 479.521.7050
We wish you and your family a peaceful and joyful Thanksgiving season.