Rhode Island General Laws
Article 7 - Support Proceeding Under Convention
Section 15-23.1-701. - Definitions.

§ 15-23.1-701. Definitions.
In this chapter:
(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 subdivision 15-23.1-101(5)(iv) 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 subdivision 15-23.1-101(5)(iv).
(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 subdivision 15-23.1-101(5)(iv) to perform the functions specified in the convention.
(6) “Foreign support agreement”:
(i) An agreement for support in a record that:
(A) Is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin;
(B) 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
(C) May be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal; and
(ii) 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.
History of Section.P.L. 1997, ch. 170, § 15; P.L. 2006, ch. 69, § 2; P.L. 2006, ch. 76, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 243, § 1; P.L. 2011, ch. 263, § 1.