This bill proposes updates to Arizona Revised Statutes sections 8-533 and 8-535 regarding the termination of the parent-child relationship. Under current law, a potential father who fails to file a paternity action within thirty days after receiving notice of adoption proceedings waives his rights. The bill adds that the potential father must also serve the mother with a copy of the filed paternity action within the same timeframe to avoid waiving his rights.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a potential father files a paternity action but does not serve the mother within thirty days, this failure can be considered sufficient evidence for the court to justify terminating the parent-child relationship. These changes aim to clarify the responsibilities of potential fathers in paternity actions and the consequences of failing to notify the mother.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-533, 8-535, 8-106, 8-106.01, 8-806, 13-1406, 13-1401