Law & Order: Thanksgiving Edition

Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey, pie, and family debates over who makes the best stuffing. It’s also a time when the law quietly makes an appearance at the dinner table (and sometimes in the driveway). Let’s take a look at how Thanksgiving and the law collide — in a fun, totally non-litigious way.

1. The Great Turkey Liability

You’ve deep-fried a turkey. Congratulations—you’re either a culinary genius or the next headline. Every year, fire departments remind us that deep-fried turkey mishaps cause millions in property damage.

Legal tip: If your deep fryer turns your deck into a bonfire, your homeowner’s insurance might cover it—but only if you weren’t being reckless. Keep the fryer outdoors, away from the house, and maybe don’t let your cousin who “used to be an electrician” handle the propane tank.

2. Over the River and Through the... Insurance Policy?

Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year—and one of the riskiest. Between sleepy drivers and Black Friday traffic, fender benders are as common as leftovers.

Legal tip: If you’re in an accident, exchange info, take photos, and file a police report. Indiana law allows you to recover damages if another driver’s negligence caused the crash—but no, “I was distracted by the smell of pie” doesn’t count as a valid excuse.

3. The Host with the Most (Legal Responsibility)

Hosting Thanksgiving? That makes you the Commander-in-Feast—and also the one responsible if things go sideways.

• Aunt Linda slips on your icy steps? That’s premises liability.

• Uncle Bob drives home after one too many glasses of merlot? That’s potential social host liability.

Legal tip: Salt the steps, secure the pets, and maybe call an Uber for Uncle Bob. It’s cheaper than a lawsuit.

4. Custody Battles Over the Wishbone

For divorced or co-parenting families, Thanksgiving scheduling can get tricky. Who gets the kids for the big meal? Who gets them for the leftovers?

Legal tip: Indiana parenting time guidelines often rotate holidays yearly. But the best rule is simple—communicate early, stay flexible, and don’t let the mashed potatoes get cold while arguing over the calendar.

5. Giving Thanks (and Maybe Updating Your Will)

While everyone’s together, it’s not a bad time to think about the future. Estate planning may not be dinner-table talk, but it’s a gift to your family.

Legal tip: Review your will, power of attorney, and healthcare directives once a year—perhaps right after dessert, when everyone’s too full to argue.

Final Verdict

Thanksgiving may be full of food, football, and family, but it’s also full of opportunities for small legal lessons—served with a side of humor.

From all of us at Guenin Law Office, have a safe, happy, and legally compliant Thanksgiving!