the family sticksArizonaThey were created to resolve issues related to domestic matters such as divorces, annulments, adoptions, etc. within the state Records, files, documents, and transcripts created and filed during court or judicial proceedings are called Family Court Records. The Superior Court of Justice ofArizona court systemcreates and maintains a family court, as it has general jurisdiction over such cases. Therefore, the court provides access to this family court case information to members of the public upon request.
Records contained in family court related documents include marriage and divorce records. Both types of records contain information that is considered highly personal to the parties involved, and it is recommended that those parties keep these records carefully for future changes. The personal nature of both makes them considerably more difficult to find and obtain compared to other types of public records. In many cases, these records are not available from government sources or third-party public record websites.
What is family law in Arizona?
Laws governing family matters in Arizona are governed byTitle 25 (Marital and Domestic Relations)doArizona Revised Statutes.The law addresses specific aspects of family relationships in different chapters and sections, namely:
Chapter 1:Married
Episode 2:Property rights and contracts
Chapter 3:Dissolution of Marriage
Chapter 4.Legal Decision Making and Parenting Time
Chapter 5.family support duties
Chapter 6.Maternity and Paternity Processes
Chapter 7.wedding ring
Chapter 8.Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
Chapter 9.Uniform Interstate Family SupportChapter 10.children's legitimacy
What are Arizona Family Court Records and Procedures?
Generally, all Arizona family court cases deal with one or more of the issues contained in theTitle 25 of the Arizona Revised Statutes.These cases are primarily handled by ArizonaSuperior Courts.The documentation made during the resolution of these cases becomes family court files. Family cases involve domestic relationship issues like abuse or domestic violence, divorces, and more. The most common family cases resolved in Arizona courts include:
- Dissolution of marriage (divorce, annulment or separation)
- Custody of children, paternity and alimony.
- name changes
- youth affairs
- abandonment of children
- Protection
- Adoption
- protective orders
- emancipation
Records that are considered public may be accessible on some third-party websites. These sites generally simplify the search since you are not limited by geographic location, and the search engines on these sites can help when starting a search for specific or multiple records. To start using this search engine on a government or third party website, interested parties are generally required to provide:
- The name of the person involved in the search, unless the person is a minor
- The location or presumed location of the record or person involved. This includes information such as the city, county, or state where the person resides or was charged.
Third Party Sites are independent of government sources and are not sponsored by these government agencies. Because of this, the availability of records on third party sites may vary.
Are family court cases public record in Arizona?
Court records generated in Arizona are subject toArizona Freedom of Information Law.This law authorized public access to records upon request. However, not all family court cases are open to the public because they are generally more private than other types of civil cases. All court records, including family case records, are open to the public unless sealed or authorized byRule 123 of the Arizona Superior Court Rules.This means that some domestic relations and minor cases containing personally identifiable information are sealed. In addition, data collected in the course of evaluating the parties to the case is confidential and exempt from public disclosure, unless authorized by court order. Such details may includejuvenile Records,clinical and medical reports, social security numbers, reports detailing the treatment of minors, adoption records, financial and credit reports, tax returns, juvenile disciplinary reports and much more. In general, details related to minors are sealed and inaccessible to the public.
How do I find family court records in Arizona?
The Superior Court generates and maintains family court records in Arizona and is required by law to provide access to them upon request. Requests to obtain family court records should be directed to the court clerk responsible for maintaining those records. Applicants are expected to provide sufficient detail to help locate the records. Depending on the county where the case was heard, investigators can make requests online, by mail, or in person.
Generally, parties requesting public records from the family court in Arizona must state the purpose of their requests, verbally or otherwise. If the sheriff determines that the stated purposes will lead to misuse of public records or abuse of the right to receive public records, the request will be denied.
If the request is granted, the court will charge a reasonable fee necessary to make the records available.
Please note that family court records older than 50 years or filed before 1950 are available atArchives of the State of Arizona.
Divorce and marriage records may be available from government sources and organizations, although their availability cannot be guaranteed. This also applies to its availability through third-party companies and websites, as these organizations are not sponsored by the government and the availability of records may vary further. Finally, marriage and divorce records are considered extremely private due to the information they contain and are often sealed. Given these factors, record availability cannot be guaranteed for these types of records.
How can I find family court records online?
The Arizona Judiciary files aonline search databaseon its website to allow remote access to court records. However, users should note that not all Arizona superior courts participate in the unified online database. Registered users can also use theelectronic access portalto gather information on cases pending in the Superior Courts. Please note that only public case documents can be found using the above online portals.
What is Arizona Custody Law?
Arizona child custody laws guide child custody cases in the state's family courts. The rules governing the process are contained in theTitle 25, Chapter 4of the Arizona Revised Statutes. In addition, the State complies with theUniform Child Custody Law (UCCA).This law was adopted to address the child custody laws that prevail in different states.
Arizona courts operate using different child custody terminologies. For example, the terms sole custody and joint custody are called "sole legal decision-making" or "joint legal decision-making," while visitation with children is called parenting time. Because of these changes, Arizona courts do not decide who gets custody of a child, but who will have the legal authority to make decisions about the ward. As such, one or both parents may have legal decision-making authority, depending on the court order.
Arizona courts decide child custody cases considering the best interests of the child along with the child's choice, the child's relationship to each parent, and the mental and physical health of all parties involved.
How to find family court attorneys in Arizona.
OArizona Bar Associationprovides access to justice and legal services through thehire a lawyertool on your website. This directory helps interested parties search for attorneys by name, city, company, and practice area. For more simplified results, individuals seeking family court attorneys can find legal help by searching the "Family Law" practice area.
The Supreme Court also offers free legal aid resources.throughYUDAAZCOURTHwebsite.