Wednesday, December 26, 2012

New Arizona law encourages more joint parenting

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/20425951/new-arizona-law-encourages-more-joint-parenting

Posted: Dec 26, 2012 8:58 AM Updated: Dec 26, 2012 8:58 AM

PHOENIX (AP) - An Arizona law that goes into effect Tuesday encourages divorced parents to do more joint parenting.

The law requires courts to adopt plans that increase as much as possible both parents' time with a child and forbids judges from giving one parent preference based on the parent's or child's gender.

The Arizona Republic reports (http://bit.ly/W4NR7W) that, under the new law, judges now must fine any parent who lies to the court or tries to delay court proceedings. Such fines were previously optional.

There are stricter reporting requirements for parents to notify the other parent when they move a significant distance away.

And the new law still requires judges to make decisions based on the children's best interest, but their best interest now includes maximum time for both parents.

Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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