custody; parenting time; child preference

HB 2762 amends Arizona law to clarify that children aged 14 or older who are mature enough can express a preference for which parent they wish to live with regarding custody and parenting time. The bill states that a child's choice is presumed valid unless the court determines it is not in their best interests. This applies directly to minors in custody disputes who meet the age and maturity criteria. The change requires courts to consider the child's preference as a key factor when making legal decision-making and parenting time rulings. The amendment does not override other best-interest factors but ensures a child's expressed choice is given significant weight in court decisions.