1. (1) A support enforcement agency of this state, upon request, shall provide services to a petitioner in a proceeding under this act.

2. (2) A support enforcement agency that is providing services to the petitioner as appropriate shall:

   1. (a) Take all steps necessary to enable an appropriate tribunal in this state or another state to obtain jurisdiction over the respondent.
   2. (b) Request an appropriate tribunal to set a date, time, and place for a hearing.
   3. (c) Make a reasonable effort to obtain all relevant information, including information as to income and property of the parties.
   4. (d) Within 10 days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after receipt of a written notice from an initiating, responding, or registering tribunal, send a copy of the notice to the petitioner.
   5. (e) Within 10 days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after receipt of a written communication from the respondent or the respondent's attorney, send a copy of the communication to the petitioner.
   6. (f) Notify the petitioner if jurisdiction over the respondent cannot be obtained.
3. (3) This act does not create or negate a relationship of attorney and client or other fiduciary relationship between a support enforcement agency or the attorney for the agency and the individual being assisted by the agency.

History.--s. 3, ch. 96-189; s. 23, ch. 97-170.