Definitions for international child support cases

As used in this article unless the context otherwise requires: "Application" means a request under the Convention by an obligee or obligor, or on behalf of a child, made through a central authority for assistance from another central authority. "Central authority" means the entity designated by the United States or a foreign country described in paragraph (4) of the definition of "foreign country" in section 576B-102 to perform the functions specified in the Convention. "Convention support order" means a support order of a tribunal of a foreign country described in paragraph (4) of the definition of "foreign country" in section 576B-102. "Direct request" means a petition filed by an individual in a tribunal of this State in a proceeding involving an obligee, obligor, or child residing outside the United States. "Foreign central authority" means the entity designated by a foreign country described in paragraph (4) of the definition of "foreign country" in section 576B-102 to perform the functions specified in the Convention. "Foreign support agreement": (1) Means an agreement for support in a record that: (A) Is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin; (B) Has been: (i) Formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal; or (ii) Authenticated by, or concluded, registered, or filed with a foreign tribunal; and (C) May be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal; and (2) Includes a maintenance arrangement or authentic instrument under the Convention. "United States central authority" means the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.