(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. 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.
Maryland Legal Code