§8306. Duties of support enforcement agency.  


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  • (a) General duty.--A support enforcement agency upon request shall provide services to an obligee in a proceeding under this part.

    (b) Specific duties.--A support enforcement agency that is providing services to the petitioner as appropriate shall do all of the following:

    (1) Take all steps necessary to enable an appropriate tribunal to obtain jurisdiction over the respondent.

    (2) Request an appropriate tribunal to set a date, time and place for a hearing.

    (3) Make a reasonable effort to obtain all relevant information, including information as to income and property of the parties.

    (4) Within two days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after receipt of a written notice from an initiating, responding or registering tribunal, send a copy of the notice by first class mail to the petitioner.

    (5) Within two days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after receipt of a written communication from the respondent, send a copy of the communication by first class mail to the petitioner.

    (6) Provide to the petitioner and respondent notice of all proceedings within two days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, of setting a date for proceedings pursuant to this part.

    (7) Provide to the petitioner and respondent a copy of all recommendations and court orders, including findings of fact, within two days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, of issuing the recommendations or court order.

    (8) Provide to the petitioner and respondent a copy of the court's procedure to file a demand for a de novo hearing or to file exception to the recommendation of the hearing officer.

    (9) Notify the petitioner if jurisdiction over the respondent cannot be obtained.

    (c) Fiduciaries.--This part does not create a relationship of attorney and client or other fiduciary relationship between a support enforcement agency or the attorney for the agency and the individual being assisted by the agency.