14-12.2-47.1. (701) Definitions.

In sections 14-12.2-47.1 through 14-12.2-47.13:

1. "Application" means a request under the convention by an obligee, 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 d of subsection 5 of section 14-12.2-01 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 d of subsection 5 of section 14-12.2-01.

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 d of subsection 5 of section 14-12.2-01 to perform the functions specified in the convention.

6. "Foreign support agreement": a. Means an agreement for support in a record that: (1) Is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin; (2) 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 (3) 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.