Maryland Statutes
Part VII - Support Proceeding Under Convention
Section 10-354 - Definitions

(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.