This bill proposes to amend current statutes by adding a new section, 25-1502, to title 25, CHAPTER 11 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which governs domestic relations proceedings. The new provisions outline the conditions under which a court may appoint professional personnel after a decree of dissolution of marriage has been entered. Specifically, the court can appoint such personnel only if both parties agree in writing or if the court holds an evidentiary hearing and issues an order for the appointment. The bill also mandates that the court must inform each party about the proposed personnel, allow them to suggest alternatives, and provide a written explanation of the appointment's rationale, associated costs, and expected duration.

Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for conducting discovery prior to the evidentiary hearing and specifies that the appointment of professional personnel is deemed unnecessary if no supporting evidence is found after discovery. It outlines the types of evidence that may justify the appointment, such as criminal records or documented substance use. Following the hearing, the court is required to issue a written order detailing the reasons for the appointment, the fees involved, and the parties' financial capabilities. Furthermore, it stipulates that failure to comply with these requirements may result in the vacating of the appointment order or the exclusion of the personnel's report in future proceedings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 25-1502