Bill > HB2762

This bill modifies Arizona's child custody law by changing the provisions related to a child's preference in legal decision-making and parenting time. Specifically, the bill now stipulates that children who are at least 14 years old and deemed sufficiently mature have the right to select which parent they want to live with, and this selection is considered presumptive unless the court determines the child's preference is not in their best interests. The bill removes the previous language that only considered the child's wishes "if the child is of suitable age and maturity" and instead provides a more explicit standard for when a child's preference should be considered. The amendment maintains the existing requirement that courts determine custody and parenting time based on the child's best interests, which includes factors such as the parent-child relationship, the child's adjustment to home and school, mental and physical health of involved parties, and potential for continued meaningful contact with both parents. The bill also preserves existing protections related to domestic violence and other critical considerations in determining child custody arrangements.

Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83225