52C-7-701. Definitions.
As used in this Article:
(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 G.S. 52C-1-101(3a)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 G.S. 52C-1-101(3a)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 G.S. 52C-1-101(3a)d. to perform the functions specified in the Convention.
(6) "Foreign support agreement" means an agreement for support in a record that:
a. Is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin;
b. 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
c. May be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal.
The term 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.