By Jonathan Eberle |
A special legislative committee examining Arizona’s family court system will convene again Monday, May 12, as allegations of widespread abuse and violations of children’s civil rights take center stage.
State Senator Mark Finchem, chair of the Joint Legislative Ad Hoc Committee on Family Court Orders, is encouraging parents who have been negatively affected by the state’s family courts to testify during the second of five planned hearings.
According to Finchem, the committee has been inundated with stories from parents and children who say they have been mistreated or silenced by the court system. In a statement, he described the issue as not just a statewide concern, but a “nationwide crisis.”
“We expect to see over 400 people at the upcoming hearing after the traumatic stories we’ve heard and evidence we’ve seen,” Finchem said. “At this committee, we will address concerns over children’s civil rights being violated, unlicensed court-appointed medical ‘professionals’ infiltrating the system, and we will allow every voice to be heard.”
The committee’s investigation was launched following mounting complaints about Arizona’s family courts, which handle custody, divorce, and parental rights cases. Critics say the system too often fails to protect the best interests of children and allows unqualified professionals—such as court-appointed therapists or evaluators without proper licenses—to influence life-altering decisions.
The committee’s first hearing, held earlier this year, drew emotional testimony from parents alleging coercion, judicial overreach, and lack of due process. Lawmakers are using the hearings to gather testimony and evidence that could inform future legislation aimed at reforming family court procedures.
Arizona is not alone in facing scrutiny over its family courts. In recent years, states like California, Connecticut, and Georgia have also seen public outcries over custody rulings, allegations of judicial misconduct, and concerns about the lack of oversight of court-appointed professionals.
The committee will recess at noon and reconvene after the Senate and House floor sessions adjourn. Hearings are expected to continue through the summer, with three additional sessions scheduled before the end of the year.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
