| Date |
| 03/26/2026 |
Please follow these tips to complete the ABS application
- Make sure to fill out every required question, even if the information seems repetitive or straightforward
- The online portal only allows you to upload documents that specifically correspond to the question being asked. The character limit is currently 250 words. If you require a limited extend responses, please email the program directly for next steps.
- Please avoid using phrases like "see attached" in free-form response fields. The division relies on the information entered directly in each field to propoerly evaluate the application.
|
| 03/12/2026 |
The proposed amendments to ACJA § 7-209 were approved by the Arizona Judicial Council on March 12, 2026 and have been adopted by the Arizona Supreme Court through Administrative Order 2026-31, dated March 18, 2026.
The amendments are now in effect. All other provisions of § 7-209 remain unchanged.
|
| 03/03/2026 |
Public Records Requests Guidance: If you are preparing a mass public records request, especially for all approved ABS applications, please schedule time with our team before submitting your request. While we’re happy to help, requesting the full set of approved ABS applications (currently around 150) may not provide what you actually need. Many of these applications may be outdated, not relevant to your purpose, or not aligned with the specific information required for your application.
Meeting with our team first allows us to:
• Help narrow down the request to the most relevant documents
• Ensure you receive accurate and up‑to‑date materials
• Save you time and avoid receiving large volumes of unnecessary paperwork
Book time here
|
| 01/17/2026 |
The Division is requesting feedback on proposed changes to ACJA 7-209. Please see the proposed changes and make comments if applicable here.
|
| 01/16/2026 |
The Division is requesting feedback on proposed changes to § 7-201: General Requirements for a major reorganization and restyling of ACJA § 7-201. The proposal will provide for more efficient Board action and licensing processes conducted by Certification & Licensing Division staff. Please see proposed changes and make comments if applicable here |
| 10/09/2025 |
At its October meeting, the Committee on Alternative Business Structures voted to approve updated forms for use in applying for an alternative business structures license. The updated forms are now available under the “Apply Now” section of the program page. To help streamline operations and manage administrative resources more effectively, the Division will no longer be accepting paper applications. We appreciate your understanding and encourage applicants to use our electronic submission process moving forward.
Additionally, the Division provided the following update: The division experienced technical challenges during the launch of the previous online application portal, which led to a backlog of initial applications. As a result, the average processing time has increased to approximately 7–9 months from the date of receipt. This applies to all pending initial applications
|
| 06/26/2025 |
The new Administrative Order (No. 2025 - 138) amending Code Section 7-209 is now in effect as of June 26, 2025. This amendment brings important updates and improvements such as:
1. Updates to E(1)(a), specific to expanding the purpose section to show how the applicant will advance access to justice through the services the ABS will offer.
2. Changes to J fee schedule
3. Changes needed to give the Committee broad discretion to deny based on the factors in Rule 33.1, failing to fit one of the new ABS “purposes,” etc.
|
| 06/25/2025 |
On June 25, 2025, the Court issued Administrative Order 2025-138 (AO), instituting an annual fee. Annually, on or before the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s order approving its license, an ABS must pay the applicable fee. Licenses will continue to expire at midnight, two years after the Supreme Court’s approval date. License holders should refer to ACJA-7-209 Fee Schedule for applicable fees. |
| 04/18/2025/ |
The Division is requesting public feedback on proposed changes to ACJA 7-209. Please visit the ACJA-Forum (7-209 Alternative Business Structures - Arizona Judicial Branch ) to make comments on the proposed changes. |
| 01/23/2025 |
On January 14, 2025, the Committee on Alternative Business Structures convened to vote on proposed amendments to ACJA Section 7-209, which addresses Alternative Business Structures. The proposed changes aim to introduce a more nuanced approach to disciplinary measures; enhance the clarity and readability of compliance audit language; update and streamline revocation procedures; and remove unnecessary merger and acquisition fees. The proposed changes have been posted for comment at Section 7-209: Alternative Business Structures - Arizona Judicial. |
| 01/14/2025 |
The Committee on Alternative Business Structures voted to approve the ABS Compliance Audit Form as a best practice template to be used by active ABSs. |
| 01/02/2025 |
The Division is requesting public feedback on proposed changes to ACJA 7-209. Please review changes here and here and send comments to [email protected], include "ACJA-7209 comments" in the subject line. |
| 01/02/2025 |
The Division is requesting public feedback on a suggested audit template please review the template here and send comments to [email protected], please include "Audit template feedback" in the subject line. |
| 01/02/2025 |
The Division is requesting public feedback on suggested ABS application changes please review the suggestions here and send comments to [email protected], please include "ABS application feedback" in the subject line. Note: Click "edit a copy" or "download" to see the redline changes. |
| 12/10/2024 |
Our online application portal is now LIVE. To apply for a new license or create an online profile please [link removed while the portal updates]. Note: initial and sub-applications are embedded in the new online platform, however, renewal applications will continue to be processed manually. |
| 09/19/24 |
If you are interested in applying for a two-year renewal: fill out the renewal form, located here: Form-Fill Renewal ABS Application.pdf (azcourts.gov), making note of your license number and licensure period. You may send the completed application to the ABS program inbox at [email protected]. The fee to extend your renewal depends on the type of ABS you operate, please see ACJA 7-209 (J) Fee Schedule. |
| 09/04/24 |
The ACJA change has been posted for public comment at https://www.azcourts.gov/ACJA-Forum/aft/1652. The deadline for comments is 10/7/2024.
|
| 08/29/24 |
If your application was recently presented to the Committee for approval, follow this link to confirm if it was approved by the Court and an Adminstrative Order filed. |
| 08/23/24 |
When checking the status of your ABS application, please include the potential ABS name in the subject line. Our current processing time averages 8 months. We appreciate your patience. |
| 05/13/24 |
Forms of payment accepted: Check, Cashier's Check and CC authorization forms delivered in person or by mail. |
| 08/24/23 |
Recent Amendments from the August 23, 2023, Rules Agenda R-23-0018 Order amending ER 1.4, Rule 42 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Arizona, to require an attorney to tell a client if he or she does not carry professional liability insurance, effective January 1, 2024. |
| 07/14/22 |
ACJA Changes Announcement July 2022 |
| 04/15/22 |
Recruitment Announcement |
| 11/25/20 |
The Committee on Alternative Business Structures was created in accordance with Administrative Order No. 2020-186. The Committee will review ABS applications for licensure under Arizona Supreme Court Rule 33.1 and Arizona Code of Judicial Administration section 7-209 and will make licensure recommendations to the Supreme Court. |