23-9,307.   Duties of support enforcement agency. (a) A support enforcement agency of this state, upon request, shall provide services to a petitioner in a proceeding under this act.

      (b)   A support enforcement agency that is providing services to the petitioner as appropriate shall:

      (1)   Take all steps necessary to enable an appropriate tribunal in this state or another state to obtain jurisdiction over the respondent;

      (2)   request an appropriate tribunal to set a date, time and place for a hearing;

      (3)   make a reasonable effort to obtain all relevant information, including information as to income and property of the parties;

      (4)   within two days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after receipt of a written notice from an initiating, responding or registering tribunal, send a copy of the notice only by personal service or registered mail, return receipt requested to the petitioner;

      (5)   within two days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after receipt of a written communication from the respondent or the respondent's attorney, send a copy of the communication to the petitioner; and

      (6)   notify the petitioner if jurisdiction over the respondent cannot be obtained.

      (c)   This act does not create or negate a relationship of attorney and client or other fiduciary relationship between a support enforcement agency or the attorney for the agency and the individual being assisted by the agency.

      History:   L. 1994, ch. 301, § 50; L. 1997, ch. 182, § 41; July 3.