Section 19-11-180. Definitions

   As used in this part, the term:

   (1) "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.

   (2) "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.

   (3) "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.

   (4) "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.

   (5) "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.

   (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" means the secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Code 1981, § 19-11-180, enacted by Ga. L. 1997, p. 1613, § 33; Ga. L. 2013, p. 705, § 1/SB 193.