Orders of protection and parenting time — what changed on Sept. 12

For years, Arizona parents ran into a hard knot: a protective order says one parent must stay away, while a family-court order says the children spend time with both. Which one wins, and who can fix the conflict?

A new law, SB 1723, addresses that. It was approved on June 22, 2026, and took effect on September 12, 2026.

What the new law lets family court do

Under the amended A.R.S. § 13-3602(L), after a hearing, the family court may modify a protective order — but only:

• as to a child the parties share who is named in the order;
• when the change is in the child’s best interest; and
• to the extent needed to carry out parenting time.

In other words, this is not a back door to dissolve a protective order. It’s a narrow tool to make exchanges and parenting time workable while protection for the adult stays in place.

Order of protection basics in Arizona

Question	Answer under § 13-3602
How long does it last?	Two years from service
What if it’s never served?	It expires if not served within one year
Does it cost to file or serve?	No — filing and service are free
Divorce or paternity case pending?	Only the superior court can issue it

Where the new law meets the Alec and Lydia Act

SB 1723 was ceremonially signed alongside HB 2995, the Alec and Lydia Act, which changed how family courts weigh domestic violence in custody decisions. If there’s a protective order in your family, both laws are likely relevant — read our explainer on the Alec and Lydia Act.

Address confidentiality

Survivors enrolled in Arizona’s Address Confidentiality Program got new protections in 2026. Under HB 2594, courts use substitute addresses for participants and may not treat participation in the program as evidence of alienation or instability. A new Family Law Rule 7.1, effective September 12, sets out the court procedure.

If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. Confidential help is available 24/7 from the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.

Practical steps

• If you have an order: keep a copy with you, and bring it to any family-court hearing.
• If parenting time is stuck: an attorney can request the hearing the new law requires before any modification.
• If you’re the restrained party: comply fully. Violations carry criminal consequences, and the family court will see them.

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