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REFERENCE TITLE: divorce; waiting period; educational programs |
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State of Arizona Senate Forty-ninth Legislature Second Regular Session 2010
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SB 1199 |
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Introduced by Senator Gray L; Representative Barto: Senators Harper, Verschoor; Representatives Barnes, Burges, Crump, Goodale, Lesko, Montenegro, Seel
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AN ACT
Amending sections 25-329 and 25-351, Arizona Revised Statutes; relating to domestic relations.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1. Section 25-329, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
25-329. Waiting period
The court shall not consider a submission of a motion supported by affidavit or hold a trial or hearing on an application for a decree of dissolution of marriage or legal separation until sixty one hundred eighty days after the date of service of process or the date of acceptance of process.
Sec. 2. Section 25-351, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
25-351. Domestic relations education; plan; administration
A. On or before January 1, 1997, The superior court in each county shall adopt and implement an educational program for the purpose of educating persons about the impacts that impact of divorce, the restructuring of families and judicial involvement have on adults and children.
B. The supreme court shall adopt minimum standards for educational programs. The presiding judge of the superior court in each county shall submit an educational program plan to the supreme court for approval. The plan shall be consistent with the minimum standards that are adopted by the supreme court, including the length and nature of the program, the qualifications of program providers and the means by which the program will be evaluated and maintained. These standards shall require that educational programs at a minimum include instruction related to all of the following:
1. The emotional, psychological, financial, physical and other short‑ term and long-term effects of divorce on adults and children.
2. Options available as alternatives to divorce.
3. Resources available to improve or strengthen marriage.
4. The legal process of divorce and options available for mediation.
5. Resources available after divorce.
C. The presiding judge of the superior court or a judge who is designated by the presiding judge shall administer the program in each county and may provide or contract with political subdivisions in this state or private entities to provide the program to participants who are required to attend.