This section defines several terms used in the subchapter, including application, central authority, convention support order, direct request, foreign central authority, foreign support agreement, and United States central authority.
Sec. 159.701. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (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 Section 159.102(5)(D) 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 Section 159.102(5)(D). (4) "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. (5) "Foreign central authority" means the entity designated by a foreign country described in Section 159.102(5)(D) 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: (a) formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal; or (b) 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. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1247, Sec. 41, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Amended by: Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 368 (H.B. 3538), Sec. 57, eff. July 1, 2015.