AZ SB1323

Amends section 25-409 of Arizona Revised Statutes regarding third-party petitions for legal decision-making and visitation rights over children.

Establishes that a rebuttable presumption exists that awarding legal decision-making to a legal parent serves the child's best interests, which third parties may only overcome with clear and convincing evidence.

Adds new subsection I specifying that adopted children may be treated as born in lawful wedlock only if adopted jointly by married parents as provided in section 8-103, subsection A.

Clarifies existing provisions for third-party visitation rights, including requirements for standing in loco parentis, timing of petitions, and conditions under which grandparent or great-grandparent visitation may be granted.

Effective April 6, 2022.