Susan Pickard on behalf of:
Judge Greg Sakall
Family Court Presiding Judge
Pima County Superior Court
110 West Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701

In light of the limitations of notary services at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Justice issued Administrative Order No. 2020-59 which, in part, relaxed the requirements of Rule 14(a) and provided for an alternative means for verifying a signer’s identity. The temporary changes made by Administrative Order No. 2020-59 have been beneficial. For many who continue to work remotely, it has greatly facilitated the timely filing of documents. There are other benefits as well. Rule 14 properly recognizes that there are some family law filings that are important, and which need the extra safeguard of increased verification of a signer’s identity. However, Administrative Order No. 2020-59 properly addressed that concern by requiring a copy of a driver’s license or other government-issued identification card, and allowed courts the flexibility to accept the alternative form of verification. In short, access to justice has been increased by the certain notarial requirements implemented by Administrative Order No. 2020-59, and its changes, with some minor modifications, should be made permanent.

Filed: January 6, 2022

Would amend Rule 14 of the Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure to provide an alternative means of verification when a filing must be verified.

Comments must be submitted on or before Monday, May 2, 2022.
Any reply by a petitioner must be submitted on or before Wednesday, June 1, 2022.