Section 454.1680 - DefinitionsIn this Article, sections 454.1680 to 454.1716:
(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 section 454.1503(5)(D) 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 section 454.1503(5)(D).(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 section 454.1503(5)(D) to perform the functions specified in the Convention.(6)"Foreign support agreement": (A) means an agreement for support in a record that:(i) is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin;(ii) 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(iii) 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.