Parents testify against family court practices harming children in custody disputes

The Joint Legislative Ad Hoc Committee on Family Court Orders convened on April 14, 2025, to address significant concerns regarding the family court system in Arizona. The meeting featured testimonies from parents and minors who shared their experiences with court-appointed therapists and the impact of family court decisions on their lives.

One parent recounted a troubling case involving his 17-year-old son, who was subjected to a prolonged no-contact order based on unsubstantiated claims of parental alienation. The parent described how the judge relied heavily on the recommendations of a therapeutic interventionist (TI) without any evidence to justify the restrictions placed on his relationship with his son. Over two years, the parent incurred approximately $75,000 in legal and therapeutic fees, only to see the situation resolved in three weeks with a different TI at a cost of about $2,400. This stark contrast raised questions about the effectiveness and accountability of the initial court-appointed professionals.

Another poignant testimony came from a 15-year-old girl named Sophia, who detailed her family's struggles within the family court system. She described feeling ignored by a court-appointed guardian and a therapist who failed to address her and her sister's concerns about abuse. Sophia highlighted the financial burden placed on her mother, who spent over $550,000 on court-ordered services over five years, with little to no benefit for the children involved. She criticized the system for prioritizing financial gain for court appointees over the well-being of children, urging lawmakers to take action to protect families from similar experiences.

The committee members expressed their gratitude for the courage shown by the witnesses and acknowledged the need for reform in the family court system. The testimonies underscored a growing concern about the lack of oversight and accountability for court-appointed professionals, as well as the financial and emotional toll on families navigating these complex legal processes.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members committed to reviewing the issues raised and exploring potential legislative solutions to improve the family court system in Arizona, ensuring that the best interests of children remain the primary focus.