Arizona parents demand end to parental alienation claims in family courts

The Arizona State Legislature's House Government meeting on February 5, 2025, featured significant discussions surrounding the contentious issue of parental alienation in family court systems. The meeting began with procedural introductions, followed by public comments from individuals affected by family court decisions.

Robert Del Garbino was the first to address the committee, sharing his personal experience with parental alienation claims that he argued were unfounded. He emphasized the financial and emotional toll these accusations have taken on families, stating that he had spent over $100,000 in legal fees without any evidence being presented against him. Del Garbino called for the elimination of the term "parental alienation" from the court system, asserting that it has harmed many families in Arizona.

Following Del Garbino, David Segee shared his own harrowing experience with parental alienation, detailing a lengthy legal battle that resulted in a $30 million federal lawsuit related to child trafficking. Segee expressed frustration over the court's handling of parental alienation cases, describing it as a "scam" that has led to the suffering of many children and parents. He highlighted the emotional distress caused by the system and the financial burden placed on families, noting that he was fortunate to have regained custody of his children but lamenting the plight of others who have not been as lucky.

The discussions prompted a response from committee members, who expressed appreciation for the speakers' courage in sharing their stories. One member acknowledged Segee's background as a former professional baseball player, adding a personal touch to the proceedings.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore the issues raised, including plans for stakeholder meetings to gather more information on the impact of parental alienation claims in family courts. The legislators recognized the need for a deeper understanding of the topic, indicating that future discussions would be necessary to address the concerns raised by the public.