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Arizona Family Law Update
The Alec and Lydia Act took effect June 22, 2026. It changes how Arizona courts handle domestic violence and coercive control in custody and parenting time decisions.
Here it is in plain language.
Arizona law now recognizes coercive control as domestic violence. That covers financial control, tracking and surveillance, isolation, and threats.
When a court finds a parent committed domestic violence, the law presumes custody with that parent works against the child's best interests.
Where domestic violence is found, the court gives primary weight to the safety of the child and the victim.
Courts must put detailed findings in writing whenever domestic violence is alleged, including temporary orders and modifications.
Alec was seven. Lydia was six. In May 2024, their mother, Hope Hooton of Surprise, Arizona, lost both children to family violence while a custody case was active.
Hope turned that loss into action. She worked with Arizona lawmakers to close the gaps her family's case exposed. House Bill 2995 carries her children's names into every Arizona courtroom where domestic violence is raised.
The Alec and Lydia Act is the most meaningful change to how Arizona courts handle domestic violence in custody cases that we've seen in years. It closes gaps that have left too many families without adequate protection. Billie Tarascio, Founding Partner, Modern Law
Your current order stays in effect. What changed is how the court handles things going forward. These situations come up most often:
Three resources built around the new law. Download the ones that fit your situation.
A short assessment that shows how the new law applies to your parenting situation and what to look at first.
Take the AssessmentA fill-in template for building clear rules around messaging, exchanges, and safety into your parenting plan.
Download the TemplateA plain-English guide for parents facing allegations, covering the presumption, how it works, and what the court looks at.
Coming SoonYour parenting plan was written under the old law. Our attorneys review existing plans and active cases against the new standard, so you know where your order stands and where it could be stronger.
Modern Law serves families throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert.
Bring your current order and your questions. We will walk you through where the new law touches your case.
480-549-2905In immediate danger, contact law enforcement or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224).
This page is educational and general in nature. It is intended as legal information rather than legal advice for any specific situation.