Family Code section 5700.701

In this chapter:

(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 5700.102(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 5700.102(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 5700.102(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.

Source: Section 5700.701, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=FAM§ionNum=5700.­701.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2016; accessed Jul. 14, 2025).

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Verified:
Jul. 14, 2025

§ 5700.701's source at ca​.gov