Maine Revised Statutes, Title 19-A, § 3311: Definitions, 2009

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] 1. Application. "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. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] 2. Central authority. "Central authority" means the entity designated by the United States or a foreign country described in section 2802, subsection 3‑A to perform the functions specified in the Convention. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] 3. Convention support order. "Convention support order" means a support order of a tribunal of a foreign country described in section 2802, subsection 3‑A. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] 4. Direct request. "Direct request" means a petition filed by an individual in a tribunal of this State in a proceeding involving an obligee, obligor or child residing outside the United States. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] 4-A. Foreign central authority. "Foreign central authority" means the entity designated by a foreign country as defined in section 2802, subsection 3‑A to perform the functions specified in the Convention. [PL 2015, c. 186, §9 (NEW).] 5. Foreign support agreement. "Foreign support agreement" means an agreement for support in a record that: A. Is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin; [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] B. Has been formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal or authenticated by or concluded, registered or filed with a foreign tribunal; and [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] C. May be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] "Foreign support agreement" includes a maintenance arrangement or authentic instrument under the Convention. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).] 6. United States central authority. "United States central authority" means the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. [PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW); PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF).]