AZ SB1164

Amends Arizona law to allow any adult resident of the state—whether married, unmarried, or legally separated—to be eligible to adopt children, and allows married couples to adopt jointly.

Removes the statutory preference that placed married couples ahead of single adults when all other relevant factors were equal in adoption placement decisions.

Requires adoption agencies and the division to consider the safety, social, emotional, physical and mental health needs of the child as the primary consideration, with other factors listed in no order of preference.

Lists relevant factors for placement consideration including marital or domestic relationship status and stability, sibling placement, established relationships with extended family, prospective parents' ability to meet the child's needs, the child's wishes (if 12 or older), birth parents' wishes, and availability of support persons.

Requires courts to make findings on the record regarding the best interests of the child in each adoption proceeding.