This bill proposes updates to section 25-403 of the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning legal decision-making and parenting time. It modifies the language regarding the child's best interests by replacing the term "interest" with "interests" to reflect a broader consideration of the child's needs. Additionally, it removes the stipulation that the child must be of "suitable age and maturity" and instead specifies that a child who is at least fourteen years old and sufficiently mature has the right to choose which parent they prefer for custody and parenting time.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that the child's selection of a parent is presumptive, meaning it will be favored unless the court finds that the child's wishes do not align with their best interests. This change emphasizes the importance of the child's voice in custody decisions, particularly for older children, and aims to ensure that their preferences are given significant weight in legal proceedings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 25-403