AZ SB1577

Repeals and replaces Arizona Revised Statutes Section 14-1306 regarding probate court jurisdiction and dispute resolution procedures.

Requires courts to encourage mediation as the initial dispute resolution method and mandates that litigants be informed of their constitutional right to a jury trial before any waiver is valid.

Allows litigants to demand a jury trial within 30 days after a bench trial order if they believe their rights were substantially violated, with the jury trial to be scheduled within 45 days.

Establishes clear and convincing evidence as the standard for jury trials under this section, with verdicts requiring a three-fourths jury vote, and permits juries to impose civil penalties up to $2,500 for abuse of the section's provisions.

Makes court orders void and unenforceable if the court fails to disclose these provisions to litigants at the commencement of litigation, and allows previous matters adjudicated without a jury to be reexamined under this new process.