19-11-180. Definitions.

As used in this part, the term:

“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 subparagraph (D) of paragraph (5) of Code Section 19-11-101 to perform the functions specified in the convention.#

“Convention support order” means a support order of a tribunal of a foreign country described in subparagraph (D) of paragraph (5) of Code Section 19-11-101.#

“Direct request” means a petition filed by an individual in a tribunal of Georgia 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 subparagraph (D) of paragraph (5) of Code Section 19-11-101 to perform the functions specified in the convention.#

“Foreign support agreement”:#

1. (A)

   Means an agreement for support in a record that:#

   1. (i)

      Is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin;#

   2. (ii)

      Has been:#

      1. (I)

         Formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal; or#

      2. (II)

         Authenticated by, or concluded, registered, or filed with, a foreign tribunal; and#

   3. (iii)

      May be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal; and#

2. (B)

   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.#