For the latest Arizona Laws, visit AZ State Legislature - Title 25 - Marital and Domestic Relations
25-401 . Jurisdiction; commencement of proceedings
A. Jurisdiction for child custody proceedings is governed by chapter 4, article 2 of this title.
B. A child custody proceeding is commenced in the superior court:
1. By a parent, by filing a petition for either of the following:
(a) Dissolution or legal separation.
(b) Custody of the child in the county in which the child is permanently resident or found.
2. By a person other than a parent, by filing a petition for custody of the child in the county in which he is permanently resident or found, but only if he is not in the physical custody of one of his parents.
C. The provisions of subsection B, paragraph 1, subdivision (b) of this section do not apply if a child is born out of wedlock and there has not been a prior adjudication of maternity or paternity.
