Bill > SB1720

This bill, titled the "Arizona Equal Shared Parenting Act," aims to promote equal parenting time between divorced or separated parents by establishing a legal presumption that equal parenting time is in a child's best interests under certain conditions. Specifically, if both parents are deemed fit and willing to share equal time and live within twenty-five miles of the child's school, courts will presume that equal parenting time is best for the child. This presumption can be overcome with clear and convincing evidence, and if a court deviates from equal parenting time, it must provide specific findings explaining why it's not in the child's best interests, considering factors like domestic violence, substance abuse, parental mental health, geographic location, interference with the other parent's relationship, and the child's overall stability. The bill also clarifies that "equal parenting time" means each parent has at least forty-five percent of overnight visits annually, with adjustments for holidays and schedules, and it amends existing laws regarding legal decision-making, parenting plans, temporary orders, and relocation to align with this new presumption, emphasizing the importance of frequent, meaningful, and continuing contact with both parents for a child's well-being.

Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85380