§ 10-354

(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.