2023 Maryland Statutes
Family Law
Title 10 - Support in General
Subtitle 3 - Maryland Uniform Interstate Family Support Act
Part VII - Support Proceeding Under Convention
Section 10-354 - Definitions
(a) In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b) “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.
(c) “Central authority” means the entity designated by the United States or a foreign country described in § 10–301(f)(4) of this subtitle to perform the functions specified in the Convention.
(d) “Convention support order” means a support order of a tribunal of a foreign country described in § 10–301(f)(4) of this subtitle.
(e) “Direct request” means a complaint filed by an individual in a tribunal of this State in a proceeding involving an obligee, obligor, or child residing outside the United States.
(f) “Foreign central authority” means the entity designated by a foreign country described in § 10–301(f)(4) of this subtitle to perform the functions specified in the Convention.
(g) “Foreign support agreement”:
(1) means an agreement for support in a record that:
(i) is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin;
(ii) has been:
1. formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal; or
2. authenticated by, or concluded, registered, or filed with a foreign tribunal; and
(iii) may be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal; and
(2) includes a maintenance arrangement or authentic instrument under the Convention.
(h) “United States central authority” means the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.