SECTION 7-701. Definitions  


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  • Section 7–701. Definitions. In this article:

    (1) ''Application'', 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.

    (2) ''Central authority'', the entity designated by the United States or a foreign country described in section 1–102(5)(iv) to perform the functions specified in the Convention.

    (3) ''Convention support order'', a support order of a tribunal of a foreign country described in section 1–102(5)(iv).

    (4) ''Direct request'', a petition filed by an individual in a tribunal of the commonwealth in a proceeding involving an obligee, obligor or child residing outside the United States.

    (5) ''Foreign central authority'', the entity designated by a foreign country described in section 1–102(5)(iv) to perform the functions specified in the Convention.

    (6) ''Foreign support agreement'':

    (A) means an agreement for support in a record that:

    (i) is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin;

    (ii) 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

    (iii) may be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal; and

    (B) includes a maintenance arrangement or authentic instrument under the Convention.

    (7) ''United States central authority'', the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.