On February 23, 2026, the Arizona Supreme Court announced significant changes to civil practice procedures in an effort to streamline processes and improve efficiency in the state's courts.One of the key changes involves the implementation of mandatory alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures for certain civil cases. Under the new rules, parties involved in civil lawsuits will be required to participate in mediation or arbitration before proceeding to trial. This is intended to reduce the backlog of cases in the court system and encourage parties to resolve their disputes outside of the courtroom.In addition to the mandatory ADR procedures, the Arizona Supreme Court also announced revisions to the rules governing electronic filing and service of documents. These changes are designed to modernize court procedures and make it easier for parties to file and serve documents electronically, saving time and resources for both the courts and litigants.Furthermore, the Arizona Supreme Court has updated its rules regarding expert witness testimony in civil cases. The new rules require that expert witnesses meet certain qualifications and provide detailed reports outlining their opinions and methodologies. This is aimed at ensuring that expert testimony is reliable and relevant to the issues in dispute, ultimately leading to more informed and fair decisions in civil cases.Overall, these changes to civil practice procedures in Arizona mark a significant step forward in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the state's court system. By implementing mandatory ADR procedures, updating electronic filing rules, and tightening requirements for expert witness testimony, the Arizona Supreme Court is working to create a more responsive and user-friendly legal system for all parties involved in civil litigation.