Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure

Big changes happened on January 1^st, 2019 as The Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure (ARFLP) were updated and went into effect January 1^st, 2019. The updated Rules are not on the internet yet, so anyone thinking about filing in family court needs to reference the New Rules. There are approximately 100 New Family Rule # and Title.

Even if your case (existing case) was started prior to January 1^st, 2019 the new Rules apply going forward in the same manner as new cases filed in 2019. People need to make sure to reference the new Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure going forward and not rely on the old Rules as there are some significant changes and many nuances. The old Rules cannot and should not be relied upon or cited in filings before the Court.

The New Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure 2019

As way of examples: the New 2019 Rules

• change how evidence is presented to the court;
• you have to get a court order for service by publication when you can’t locate the other party;
• asking the court for an independent investigation when there are issues of child abuse or child neglect;
• time frames for when paperwork has to be filed with the Court;
• trying to get spousal maintenance when you are trying to proceed by default;
• written agreements by the parties and whether they are valid with the Court

With so many procedural changes comes added potential for confusion causing delays and even not having your matter heard by the Court. Individuals representing themselves should consider consulting retaining an experienced Scottsdale Family Law Attorney for their matter.”