§2605. Orders relating to the receipt of public assistance or support enforcement services

1.  Definitions.  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. "Public assistance" means public assistance as provided under Title 22, section 3173, 3271, 3762 or 3790.   [PL 1997, c. 530, Pt. A, §4 (AMD).]

B. "Support enforcement services" means the services provided by the department under section 2103.   [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

C. "Support order" means a decree or order for support of a child, for support pending a divorce action or for alteration of a custody or support order.   [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

D. "Support payments" means money ordered to be paid directly to a parent for the support of a child.   [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

[PL 1997, c. 530, Pt. A, §4 (AMD).]

2.  Pleading public assistance or support enforcement services.  In an action to establish a support order, enforce a support order, amend a support order or to collect support arrearages, if the child is receiving or has received public assistance in a relevant time period, the party bringing the action shall affirmatively plead that fact. If the party is receiving support enforcement services, the party shall affirmatively plead that fact.

[PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

3.  Notice to State.  In an action to establish or vacate a paternity order or support order, enforce a support order, amend a support order or to collect support arrearages, if the action relates to a period when the child has received, is receiving or will receive public assistance or the party is receiving support enforcement services pursuant to section 2103, the party bringing the action must send a copy of the motion or petition and all accompanying documents by ordinary mail to the department when the motion or petition is filed with the court. If the party bringing the action fails to comply with this subsection, the court may allow the department additional time to file all necessary pleadings.

[PL 2001, c. 554, §15 (AMD).]

4.  Health insurance.  If a support order contains an order for a parent to provide health, medical or hospital insurance coverage and if the insured child is receiving public assistance, then the insuring parent shall provide the department with proof of the insurance coverage within 15 days of receipt of a copy of the order and with written notice of any change in that coverage within 15 days of the change.

[PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

5.  State reimbursement.  If a child is receiving public assistance, the support order must require that support payments be made to the department for the period of public assistance.

[PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1995, c. 694, §B2 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 694, §E2 (AFF). PL 1997, c. 530, §A4 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 554, §15 (AMD).