Sec. 5. (a) A petitioner may file a direct request seeking:

(1) establishment or modification of a support order; or

(2) determination of parentage of a child.

In the proceeding, Indiana law applies.

     (b) A petitioner may file a direct request seeking recognition and enforcement of a support order or support agreement. In the proceeding, sections 6 through 13 of this chapter apply.

     (c) In a direct request for recognition and enforcement of a Convention support order or foreign support agreement:

(1) a security, bond, or deposit is not required to guarantee the payment of costs and expenses; and

(2) an obligee or obligor that in the issuing country has benefited from free legal assistance is entitled to benefit, at least to the same extent, from any free legal assistance provided for by Indiana law under the same circumstances.

     (d) A petitioner filing a direct request is not entitled to assistance from the support enforcement agency.

     (e) This chapter does not prevent the application of Indiana laws that provide simplified, more expeditious rules regarding a direct request for recognition and enforcement of a foreign support order or foreign support agreement.

As added by P.L.206-2015, SEC.53.