The latest episode of Days of Our Lives, airing Thursday, November 20, 2025, promises to unleash one of the most explosive hours Salem has seen all year. Legal warfare,

emotional devastation, and dangerous secrets collide as beloved families face irreversible consequences. At the center of the storm is Justin Kiriakis, whose legal expertise is

in such high demand that even he may be struggling to keep pace with the tidal wave of conflict engulfing Salem. This episode doesn’t simply advance storylines—it rips them wide open.

Justin Kiriakis: Salem’s Most Wanted Lawyer Faces His Toughest Day Yet

Justin Kiriakis has always been considered a steady, respected force in Salem’s legal system. But this week, he’s thrust into the eye of two highly charged cases that threaten to reshape the Horton, DiMera, and Cook families forever.

His first client is Jennifer Horton Deveraux, who is launching a fierce custody battle against her son-in-law, Chad DiMera, for guardianship of Thomas and Charlotte. Jennifer believes the DiMera mansion is no longer a safe environment after Abigail’s death and is determined to remove the children from what she sees as a toxic legacy.

At the exact same time, Justin signs on to represent Sarah Horton as she files for divorce from Xander Cook—an emotional split fueled by betrayal, lies, and a devastating revelation that shatters any remaining trust between them.

Justin’s caseload is overflowing, his phone never stops ringing, and tensions are rising in every direction. While his reputation as Salem’s most reliable attorney grows, so too does the emotional fallout surrounding every family he touches.

Jennifer Receives a Harsh Reality Check

When Jennifer sits down with Justin to craft her custody strategy, she expects confidence. Instead, she receives a sobering dose of reality.

Justin warns her that winning custody could be nearly impossible. Chad is the children’s biological father, a grieving widower, and their primary caregiver. Courts rarely remove children from a surviving parent, especially one who has proven dedication and stability.

He also emphasizes the emotional impact this battle will have on Thomas and Charlotte, who are still grieving the loss of their mother. Tearing them away from their father, their home, and their remaining connection to Abigail could deepen their trauma.

Perhaps most pointedly, Justin notes that Jennifer’s motivations could be scrutinized. Her sudden determination stems not from evidence of danger, but from Thomas witnessing Chad embrace Cady Green—hardly a reason to uproot children and pursue a scorched-earth legal war.

But Jennifer refuses to back down. Grief and protectiveness cloud her judgment, pushing her toward a decision that could fracture her family beyond repair.

Chad Is Blind-Sided by Legal Papers That Leave Him Reeling

As Jennifer spirals deeper into her mission, Justin prepares the official custody paperwork. The moment Jennifer serves them to Chad marks one of the most heartbreaking beats of the episode.

Chad, still raw from losing Abigail, is blindsided by the legal attack. His shock turns to devastation when he realizes Jennifer—someone he loves and trusts—is now attempting to take Thomas and Charlotte away from him.

Before receiving the papers, Chad confides in Gabi Hernandez about the unbearable strain Jennifer’s accusations have placed on him. Now, with custody at stake, Chad’s grief intensifies into a desperate fear of losing his family.

Insiders whisper about two possible paths:
1. Chad may allow Thomas to temporarily go with Jennifer to avoid a bitter courtroom showdown.
2. Or he may retaliate fiercely, hiring his own lawyer and preparing for a full-scale legal war.

Complicating everything is Thomas’s own wish to leave with Jennifer—a factor that could weigh heavily in court.

Xander & Sarah: A Marriage Finally Breaks Beyond Repair

Across town, Justin’s second major case erupts with equal emotional force. Sarah Horton has made the painful decision to divorce Xander Cook once and for all. Their relationship has survived betrayal, grief, and countless tumultuous moments, but Xander’s latest deception pushes Sarah past her breaking point.

His involvement in Philip’s near-fatal injury—and his refusal to confess until Maggie forced the truth out—shattered the fragile trust they had rebuilt. For Sarah, the lie is unforgivable.

In one of the episode’s most emotional scenes, Sarah removes her wedding rings and tells Xander to leave her life permanently. This isn’t a temporary rift. It’s a final goodbye.

A Tense Encounter at the Town Square

In a poignant twist, Justin encounters Xander shortly after. The once-fearsome man cuts a lonely, broken figure as he processes the end of his marriage. Standing across from the attorney now representing the woman divorcing him, Xander faces the reality that his world has collapsed.

Justin walks a delicate line—balancing professionalism with compassion—and the moment carries unexpected emotional depth.

Xander Takes an Unexpected Turn

In a surprising development, Xander seeks out Brady Black to thank him for something unexplained. It’s an unusual gesture from a man known for reacting with violence or rage. Instead, it shows a fragile but genuine attempt at growth and acceptance.

Soon after, Xander shocks Sarah by handing her signed divorce papers. No arguments. No manipulation. No schemes.

Just acceptance.

The question now looms:
Will Sarah actually file them?
Or will Xander’s unexpected grace give her pause?

Even the actors have hinted that this time, the break may be real—opening the door for powerful new story arcs that don’t depend on romance.

Rachel Black’s Disturbing Plan Puts Salem on Edge

As if Salem weren’t already drowning in turmoil, Rachel Black spirals into dangerous territory. Still reeling from Marina’s declining health and threatened by Brady’s compassion for Sarah, Rachel begins plotting something alarming.

Spoilers reveal she intends to put a mysterious substance in Sarah’s food—suggesting a potential poisoning attempt.

This dark turn could trigger a medical emergency and a psychological reckoning long overdue for Rachel, whose instability is now reaching a dangerous peak.

Salem in Crisis: Chaos Surrounds Every Corner

As Justin juggles his mounting cases, Salem faces a cascade of crises:

• Marlena Evans’ alarming medical decline
• Kristen DiMera’s escape from Statesville
• Suspicion aimed toward Tony or André DiMera
• Family loyalties fracturing under immense pressure

This Thanksgiving season will not be remembered for peace. It will be remembered for upheaval.

A Turning Point for Salem

The November 20, 2025 episode of Days of Our Lives marks a pivotal moment in the series. Justin Kiriakis stands at the crossroads of multiple life-altering conflicts, each threatening to reshape relationships, loyalties, and the very fabric of Salem itself.

Whether it’s broken marriages, custody battles, dangerous secrets, or emotional implosions, one thing is clear:

Salem will never be the same after today.