The Arizona Revised Statutes have been updated to include the revised sections from the 56th Legislature, 1st Regular Session. Please note that the next update of this compilation will not take place until after the conclusion of the 56th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session, which convenes in January 2024.
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This online version of the Arizona Revised Statutes is primarily maintained for legislative drafting purposes and reflects the version of law that is effective on January 1st of the year following the most recent legislative session. The official version of the Arizona Revised Statutes is published by Thomson Reuters.
25-803 - Persons who may originate proceedings; legal decision making; parenting time; conciliation court
25-803. Persons who may originate proceedings; legal decision-making; parenting time; conciliation court
A. Proceedings to establish the maternity or paternity of a child or children and to compel support under this article may be commenced by any of the following:
1. The mother.
2. The father.
3. The guardian, conservator or best friend of a child or children born out of wedlock.
4. A public welfare official or agency of the county where the child or children reside or may be found.
5. The state pursuant to section 25-509.
B. An adult may bring an action to establish the adult's biological parent.
C. Any party to a proceeding under this article other than the state may request that legal decision-making and specific parenting time be determined as a part of the proceeding. When paternity is established the court may award legal decision-making and parenting time as provided in section 25-408. The attorney general or county attorney shall not seek or defend any ancillary matters such as legal decision-making or parenting time.
D. In any case in which paternity is established the parent with whom the child has resided for the greater part of the last six months shall have legal decision-making unless otherwise ordered by the court.
E. The services of the conciliation court may be used in regard to disputed matters of legal decision-making and parenting time.