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HB 2124

parental alienation; hearings; findings; requirements

57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Fink

Arizona bill establishes court procedures for evaluating parental alienation allegations in custody cases with specific hearing and finding requirements.

House Second Reading
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2124

Legislative bill overview

HB 2124 addresses parental alienation in family court proceedings by establishing procedures for hearings, findings, and evidentiary requirements related to allegations of parental alienation. The bill creates a structured framework for how Arizona courts should evaluate and document claims that one parent is manipulating a child against the other parent.

Why is this important

Parental alienation is a contested issue in family law that significantly affects custody decisions and parent-child relationships. This bill would standardize how courts handle these allegations, potentially influencing outcomes in thousands of Arizona custody disputes and directly impacting children's access to both parents.

Potential points of contention

  • "Parental alienation" lacks scientific consensus: Mental health professionals debate whether parental alienation is a valid psychological construct, and some worry courts may rely on this concept to dismiss legitimate abuse allegations or protective parenting behaviors
  • Burden and standard of proof: The bill's requirements for findings and hearings could shift how difficult it is to prove alienation, potentially favoring accused parents or conversely making it easier to override protective custody arrangements
  • Child testimony and witness requirements: The bill's evidentiary standards may determine whether courts can hear directly from children or must rely on expert testimony, raising concerns about both child protection and parental due process rights

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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