By Chief Judge Kenneth Switzer, Nashville

Halloween just concluded. Stores are probably putting out Valentine decorations by now. St. Patty’s Day can’t be far behind.

But wait, we have Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s. How could we forget?

And let’s not overlook the late-year settlement season. While the courts follow their regular settlement process through this period, it must come to an end sometime.

So, below you will find the LAST SETTLEMENT APPROVAL DATE for each office for 2026. If this lacks clarity, you can always check the local office to verify. Please mark your calendars, and line those settlements up.

Here we go:

• Gray – 12/23
• Knoxville – 12/21
• Cookeville – 12/22
• Chattanooga – 12/23
• Murfreesboro – 12/21
• Nashville – 12/23
• Jackson – 12/28
• Memphis – 12/17

It seems clear to me, but one never knows.

Also, state offices are closed next Wednesday, November 11, for Veterans Day, and November 25 and 26 for Thanksgiving. No settlements on those days, and don’t forget them when calculating “business days” on deadlines.

Happy holidays. All of them.