Iowa Code § 252K.701: Definitions.

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 section 252K.102, subsection 5, paragraph “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 252K.102, subsection 5, paragraph “d”.

4. “Direct request” means a petition for support filed by an individual in a tribunal of this state in a proceeding involving an obligee, obligor, or a child residing outside the United States.

5. “Foreign central authority” means the entity designated by a foreign country described in section 252K.102, subsection 5, paragraph “d”, 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 formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal or authenticated by, or concluded, registered, or filed with a foreign tribunal.

(3) May be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal.

b. “Foreign support agreement” 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.