PART VII. SUPPORT PROCEEDING UNDER CONVENTION.

In this part:

1. (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. (2) "Central authority" means the entity designated by the United States or a foreign country described in section 102(5)(D) [§48-16-102(5)(D]] to perform the functions specified in the convention.
3. (3) "Convention support order" means a support order of a tribunal of a foreign country described in section 102(5)(D) [§48-16-102(5)(D)].
4. (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. (5) "Foreign central authority" means the entity designated by a foreign country described in section 102(5)(D) [§48-16-102(5)(D)], to perform the functions specified in the convention.

6. (6) "Foreign support agreement:"

   1. (A) Means an agreement for support in a record that:

      1. (i) Is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin;

      2. (ii) Has been:

         1. (I) Formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal; or
         2. (II) Authenticated by, or concluded, registered or filed with a foreign tribunal; and
      3. (iii) May be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal; and
   2. (B) Includes a maintenance arrangement or authentic instrument under the convention.
7. (7) "United States central authority" means the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.