PHOENIX, Ariz. (KVOA) – Gov. Katie Hobbs signed the Alec and Lydia Act into law Thursday, overhauling how Arizona courts handle child custody and domestic violence cases.
The bipartisan legislation aims to prioritize child safety in custody decisions involving parents with a history of domestic violence. For far too long, child custody decisions have not adequately factored in whether a parent has a history of domestic violence, according to supporters at the signing.
The law is named after 7-year-old Alec and 6-year-old Lydia, who were murdered by their estranged father Brock Mater in 2024. Mater had been hospitalized for psychiatric issues and suicidal thoughts and had a history of domestic violence.
During divorce proceedings, a judge granted Mater 50/50 unsupervised custody of the children. Mater killed Alec and Lydia before turning the gun on himself.
Their mother, Hope Hooton, became a child advocate and helped craft the new law. “While nothing can take away the pain or bring them back, this law ensures their light will never go out,” Hooton said.
The Alec and Lydia Act declares child safety is the highest priority in any domestic violence case. It presumes a parent with a domestic violence history doesn’t have legal decision-making authority in custody disputes.
The law also creates stricter standards for the parent to have any time with a child. Abusive parents face a high legal burden to prove they can provide a safe environment.
“This is a groundbreaking law that does protect Arizona children and families trapped in painful, dangerous and dynamic domestic assault situations,” supporters said at the signing.
Studies show intimate partner violence is a leading cause of death of children. A Penn State study finds three of five gun killings by men in this country involve cases of separation, divorce or child custody.
Experts believe family court is where key decisions can protect more kids. “I can’t bring Alec and Lydia back, but I can make sure that other Arizona families and children are safe, and that nobody goes through the unimaginable loss of losing children in this way,” Hooton said.
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