§ 54.3 - Definitions.

§ 54.3 Definitions.

(a) Authorized person. Any agent or attorney of any State having in effect a plan approved under part D of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651-664), who has the duty or authority to seek recovery of any amounts owed as child or child and spousal support (including, when authorized under the State plan, any official of a political subdivision); and the court that has authority to issue an order against a member for the support and maintenance of a child or any agent of such court.

(b) Child support. Periodic payments for the support and maintenance of a child or children, subject to and in accordance with State or local law. This includes, but is not limited to, payments to provide for health care, education, recreation, and clothing or to meet other specific needs of such a child or children.

(c) Designated official. The representative of the Military Service concerned who is authorized to receive and to process notices under this part. See § 54.6(f) for a listing of designed officials.

(d) Notice. A court order, letter, or similar documentation issued by an authorized person providing notification that a member has failed to make periodic support payments under a support order.

(e) Spousal support. Periodic payments for the support and maintenance of a spouse or former spouse, in accordance with State and local law. It includes, but is not limited to, separate maintenance, alimony while litigation continues, and maintenance. Spousal support does not include any payment for tranfer of property or its value by an individual to his or her spouse or former spouse in compliance with any community property settlement, equitable distribution of property, or other division of property between spouses or former spouses.

(f) Support order. Any order providing for child or child and spousal support issued by a Court of competent jurisdiction within any State, territory, or possession of the United States, including Indian tribal courts, or in accordance with administrative procedures established under State law that affords substantial due process and is subject to judicial review.