Maine Revised Statutes
Subchapter 7-A: SUPPORT PROCEEDINGS SUBJECT TO CONVENTION
19-A §3311. Definitions

§3311. Definitions
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).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2009, c. 95, §83 (NEW). PL 2009, c. 95, §87 (AFF). PL 2015, c. 186, §9 (AMD).