This bill proposes updates to Arizona Revised Statutes section 25-319 regarding spousal maintenance. It maintains the current provisions allowing courts to grant maintenance orders during marriage dissolution or legal separation proceedings, but clarifies that the court, rather than the spouse seeking maintenance, is responsible for making findings related to the need for maintenance. Additionally, the bill removes specific language about the factors considered in awarding spousal maintenance, instead indicating that the supreme court will establish guidelines based on relevant factors that should be weighed collectively.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions that prohibit the court from granting maintenance orders to a spouse convicted of domestic violence against the injured spouse. It defines "domestic violence" in accordance with existing law and clarifies the term "injured spouse" as the individual who suffered from the act of domestic violence. These changes aim to enhance the legal framework surrounding spousal maintenance by addressing issues of domestic violence and refining the court's role in determining maintenance needs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 25-319