What is a Legal Holiday? A Comprehensive Guide to Its Definition

Definition & Meaning

A legal holiday refers to a day recognized by federal law as a holiday, designated either by the President or by Congress. On these days, federal offices are typically closed, and many businesses may also observe the holiday. Legal holidays can affect various legal processes, deadlines, and requirements, making it important for individuals and businesses to be aware of them.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, if a legal deadline falls on a legal holiday, such as Independence Day, that deadline may be extended to the next business day. Another example is that federal courts will not hold sessions on legal holidays, which can affect ongoing legal matters (hypothetical example).

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Legal Holidays Observed
California New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas
Texas New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving
New York New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Public Holiday A day recognized by law where government offices are closed. May include state-specific holidays, while legal holidays are federally recognized.
Bank Holiday A day when banks are closed for business. Not all legal holidays are bank holidays; some may only be recognized at the federal level.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you have a legal matter that may be affected by a legal holiday, check the calendar for upcoming holidays. If you need to file documents or meet deadlines, plan accordingly. Consider using US Legal Forms' templates to prepare your documents efficiently. If your situation is complex, seeking assistance from a legal professional is advisable.

Quick facts

  • Legal holidays are federally recognized days.
  • They can affect court schedules and filing deadlines.
  • Not all states observe the same legal holidays.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A legal holiday is a day recognized by federal law when government offices are closed.