family court; therapeutic intervention; experts

SB 1139 requires family courts in Arizona to obtain **both parents' written consent** before ordering any paid therapeutic intervention (like therapy or counseling) or requiring one parent to pay for such services. It also sets strict standards for expert testimony on therapy, child development, or related issues, mandating that experts must have specialized training, clinical experience with children, and opinions aligned with established professional standards. The bill directly affects parents and courts in custody and parenting time disputes, aiming to limit unilateral court orders for paid services and ensure expert qualifications. Key definitions clarify that "paid service" includes any compensated therapy, and "therapeutic intervention" covers programs designed to improve parent-child relationships. This law does not change custody laws but modifies how courts handle therapy-related decisions and expert evidence.