Rule 1.Scope and Applicability of These Rules
Part I. General Administration · Last amended January 1, 2019 · Last verified September 4, 2026
Full Text of Rule 1
Rule History
Added Aug. 30, 2018, effective Jan. 1, 2019.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 1 is four short subsections, and the third one decides how the rest of the ruleset is read.
What these rules govern
They govern procedures in family law cases and all matters arising under Title 25 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Title 25 is where marriage, dissolution, legal separation, annulment, legal decision-making, parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance and paternity live — so the scope statement is short because the statute does the work.
The civil rules are not in the background
Subsection (c) states the relationship plainly: the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure apply only when these rules expressly incorporate them. That is the opposite of the arrangement in several other states, where the family rules sit on top of the civil rules and borrow whatever they do not displace. Here, if a family rule does not name a civil rule, the civil rule is not in play.
Then the qualification, which matters just as much: if language in these rules is substantially the same as language in the civil rules, case law interpreting the civil language will apply. So identical wording carries its existing meaning even though the rule itself does not apply of its own force.
Construction, and local rules
Subsection (b) is the familiar direction — parties and courts should construe and enforce these rules to secure a just, prompt, and inexpensive determination. Arizona says "prompt" where the federal and most state formulations say "speedy".
Subsection (d) resolves conflicts downward: if a local rule is inconsistent with these rules, these rules apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure apply in family court?
Only where these rules expressly incorporate them. Rule 1(c) says so in terms. It also provides that where language in these rules is substantially the same as language in the civil rules, case law interpreting the civil rules will apply to these rules.
What cases do these rules cover?
Rule 1(a) applies them to procedures in family law cases and all matters arising under Title 25 of the Arizona Revised Statutes.
What happens if a local rule conflicts with these rules?
Rule 1(d) provides that if a local rule is inconsistent with these rules, these rules apply.
Is there a general standard for interpreting the rules?
Rule 1(b) directs parties and courts to construe these rules, and courts to enforce them, in a manner that ensures a just, prompt, and inexpensive determination of every action and proceeding.