{"data":{"id":"us-pa/23-pa.c.s.-77a01","jurisdiction":"us-pa","citation":"23 Pa.C.S. § 77A01","heading":"Definitions.","body":"The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:\n\"Application.\" 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.\n\"Central authority.\" The entity designated by the United States or a foreign country defined in paragraph (4) of the definition of \"foreign country\" in section 7101.1 (relating to definitions) to perform the functions specified in the convention.\n\"Convention support order.\" A support order of a tribunal of a foreign country defined in paragraph (4) of the definition of \"foreign country\" in section 7101.1.\n\"Direct request.\" 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.\n\"Foreign central authority.\" The entity designated by a foreign country defined in paragraph (4) of the definition of \"foreign country\" in section 7101.1 to perform the functions specified in the convention.\n\"Foreign support agreement.\"\n(1) An agreement for support in a record that:\n(i) is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin;\n(ii) has been:\n(A) formally prepared or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal; or\n(B) authenticated by or concluded, registered, or filed with a foreign tribunal; and\n(iii) may be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal.\n(2) The term includes a maintenance arrangement or authentic instrument under the convention.\n\"United States central authority.\" The Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.","path":["Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS","PART VIII UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT","CHAPTER 77A SUPPORT PROCEEDING UNDER CONVENTION"],"source_url":"https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM\u0026ttl=23\u0026div=0\u0026chpt=0\u0026sctn=0\u0026subsctn=0","current_through":"2026-07-29 (Statute Update stamp, 23 Pa.C.S.)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-02T16:31:43Z","sha256":"ae4d0b5fc454bcca2b6c3010ebe8c671a2945b80c0d34a032ccc0f39d64c034c","source_id":"us-pa","stale":false,"prev":"us-pa/23-pa.c.s.-7616","next":"us-pa/23-pa.c.s.-77a02"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}