§ 10–354
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 10-354 (2026)
Title 10. Support in General
Subtitle 3. Maryland Uniform Interstate Family Support Act
§ 10–354LinkCopy Citation
(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)
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.