A new law reshapes how courts weigh domestic violence in custody cases.
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Could the Alec & Lydia Act Affect Your Custody Case? | Modern Law
Now in effect statewide
Covers existing parenting plans
Written by Arizona family law attorneys
WHAT CHANGED
Three Shifts That Could Reach Your Case
The Alec and Lydia Act rewrites how Arizona courts handle domestic violence in custody. Here is what moved, in plain language.
SHIFT 01
Coercive Control Now Counts
Patterns of financial, digital, or psychological control are now recognized as domestic violence, even with no physical contact and no police report.
SHIFT 02
The Burden Moved
When a court finds domestic violence, the parent who committed it must prove parenting time is safe. The other parent no longer carries that weight alone.
SHIFT 03
Safety Comes First
Where domestic violence is present, the court gives priority to the safety of the child and the victim over a default of equal parenting time.
FIND YOUR SITUATION
Four Parents. One New Standard.
The assessment routes you to the path built for your story, so the guidance fits where you actually stand.
A
You Experienced Harm or Control
Learn what now counts as evidence and why your own account carries weight.
B
You Have Been Accused
Understand the new standard, your right to be heard, and how to prepare.
C
You Want to Modify an Order
See how past evidence, even events before your order, can now be considered.
D
Existing Order, No Action Yet
Find out whether the change applies to your family before anything prompts court.
INSIDE THE GUIDE
Clarity in About Ten Minutes
No legal background needed. Work through it at your own pace and know your next step by the last page.
A five-question check to see if the law reaches your case
The full 16-point coercive control checklist from HB 2995
Step-by-step guidance for all four parenting situations
What to gather and document, starting today
A plain-language read on the burden of proof and what it means for you
The Alec & Lydia Act · HB 2995
Could This New Law Affect Your Custody Case?
A complimentary self-assessment for Arizona parents.
MODERNLAW.COM · MESA & PEORIA, AZ
WHY THIS LAW EXISTS
Named for Two Children
The Alec and Lydia Act carries the names of two young children into every Arizona family courtroom where domestic violence is alleged. Their mother turned unimaginable loss into advocacy, working with lawmakers to close the gaps her own case had exposed.
The result is a law that asks courts to look harder, sooner, at the safety of the child and the parent. If domestic violence or coercive control has touched your family, that shift may change what is possible in your case.
In memory of Alec & Lydia.
Your Plan Was Written Under the Old Law.
Get the complimentary self-assessment and see exactly where you stand under the Alec and Lydia Act. When you are ready, our attorneys are here to help you take the next step.
Prefer to talk now? Call 480-418-4831
In immediate danger? Call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
This page provides general legal information about Arizona House Bill 2995, the Alec and Lydia Act. It is not legal advice, and downloading the guide does not create an attorney-client relationship. For guidance on your specific circumstances, speak with a licensed Arizona family law attorney. Modern Law, PLLC serves families throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria.