Parenting time; both parents
If enacted, HB 2718 would centralize the concept of joint custody in Arizona family law, thereby encouraging courts to favor arrangements that allow equal participation by both parents in their child’s life. This amendment emphasizes public policy that aligns with strong familial values and aims to create lasting relationships between children and both their parents post-separation. The bill's passage is expected to foster better co-parenting dynamics, potentially reducing conflicts over custody arrangements.
House Bill 2718 is designed to amend Section 25-103 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which pertains to parenting time arrangements between divorced or separated parents. The bill emphasizes the importance of children maintaining substantial and meaningful contact with both parents, promoting strong familial involvement in their upbringing. Consequently, the bill seeks to establish that a child’s best interests are served by promoting frequent parenting time with both parents and ensuring both are involved in significant decisions concerning the child’s welfare.
While the bill enjoys support for prioritizing children's welfare and ensuring both parents are engaged, there might be points of contention regarding its implementation. Critics may argue that the blanket approach to promoting equal parenting time does not take into account unique situations where one parent may pose a risk to the child’s safety or well-being. Thus, concerns regarding the feasibility and implications of such policies need addressing, particularly in contentious custody disputes where considerations of a child's best interest may be more complex.