Definitions.

RCW 26.21A.601

in effect

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 RCW 26.21A.010 (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 RCW 26.21A.010 (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 RCW 26.21A.010 (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: (A) Formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal; or (B) 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. 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 RCW 26.21A.010 (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 RCW 26.21A.010 (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 RCW 26.21A.010 (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: (A) Formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal; or (B) 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: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.21A&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026