Arizona § 8-120 - Records; inspection; exception; destruction or transfer of certain records
Full text of Arizona Arizona Revised Statutes § 8-120 — Records; inspection; exception; destruction or transfer of certain records, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 8-120. Records; inspection; exception; destruction or transfer of certain records
A. Except as provided in section 8-129, all files, records, reports and other papers compiled under this article, whether filed in or in possession of the court, an agency or any person or association, shall be withheld from public inspection.
B. Such files, records, reports and other papers may be open to inspection by persons and agencies having a legitimate interest in the case and their attorneys and by other persons and agencies having a legitimate interest in the protection, welfare or treatment of the child if so ordered by the court.
C. This section does not prohibit persons employed by the court, the division or an agency from conducting the investigations or performing other duties pursuant to this article within the normal course of their employment.
D. This section does not prohibit persons employed by the court, the division, an attorney participating or assisting in a direct placement adoption pursuant to section 8-130 or an agency from providing partial or complete identifying information between a birth parent and adoptive parent when the parties mutually agree to share specific identifying information and make a written request to the court, the division or the agency.
E. Except for files that belong to an attorney, all files, records, reports and other papers not filed in or in the possession of the court shall not be destroyed until after a ninety-nine year period. The files that belong to an attorney shall not be destroyed until after a seven-year period.
F. If an adoption agency ceases operations, the adoption agency shall do all of the following:
1. Transfer the documents described in subsection A of this section to the division or to another adoption agency in this state if the documents concern a matter that is closed.
2. Transfer the documents described in subsection A of this section to another adoption agency in this state if the documents concern a matter that is open.
3. Notify the division of the transfer of any documents to another adoption agency in this state pursuant to this subsection.
4. Notify all adoptive parents whose files it is transferring pursuant to this subsection of the transfer.
Source: official Arizona text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona § 8-120
What does Arizona Revised Statutes § 8-120 cover?
Section 8-120 ("Records; inspection; exception; destruction or transfer of certain records") is part of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Arizona. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Arizona § 8-120?
A common citation format is "Arizona Revised Statutes § 8-120" (Arizona). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Arizona law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arizona official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arizona attorney.
How does Arizona § 8-120 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arizona can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arizona.