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In a landmark decision, Arizona lawmakers have passed a comprehensive family law reform bill that will bring significant changes to child custody and child support regulations in the state. The bill, officially known as Senate Bill 1234, was signed into law by Governor Jane Smith on Monday, February 27, 2026, and is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.One of the key provisions of the new law is a shared parenting mandate, which requires judges to presume that joint custody is in the best interest of the child in all divorce cases. This means that both parents will have equal decision-making authority and parenting time unless there is clear evidence of abuse, neglect, or other extenuating circumstances. Proponents of shared parenting argue that it promotes stability and continuity for children post-divorce, while critics worry that it may not always be the best solution in cases of high conflict or domestic violence.Additionally, the reform bill includes changes to the child support calculation formula, with a focus on ensuring that payments are fair and equitable for both parents. Under the new guidelines, factors such as both parents' incomes, parenting time arrangements, and childcare expenses will be taken into account to determine support obligations. This is a departure from the previous system, which primarily relied on the income of the non-custodial parent.Furthermore, the bill also addresses the issue of parental relocation, requiring parents to provide advance notice to the other parent and obtain court approval before moving a significant distance with their child. This is intended to prevent situations where one parent unilaterally relocates, potentially disrupting the child's relationship with the other parent.Overall, the passage of Senate Bill 1234 represents a significant step forward in modernizing Arizona's family law system and promoting the best interests of children in divorce and custody cases. Supporters of the reform bill hope that it will lead to more cooperative co-parenting arrangements and reduce conflict in family court proceedings. However, it remains to be seen how the new law will be implemented in practice and what impact it will have on Arizona families in the years to come.