As used in this Article, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(1)        “Child support case” means the part of any civil or criminal action or proceeding, whether intrastate or interstate, that involves a claim for the establishment or enforcement of a child support obligation.

(2)        “Dispose” or “disposition” of a child support case means the entry of an order in a child support case that:

a.         Dismisses the claim for establishment or enforcement of the child support obligation; or

b.         Establishes a child support obligation, either temporary or permanent, and directs how that obligation is to be satisfied; or

c.         Orders a particular child support enforcement remedy.

(3)        “Expedited process” means a procedure for having child support orders established and enforced by a magistrate or clerk who has been designated as a child support hearing officer pursuant to this Article.

(4)        “Federal expedited process requirement” means the provision in Title IV, Part D of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 666(a)(2), that requires as a condition of the receipt of federal funds that a state have laws that require the use of federally defined expedited processes for obtaining and enforcing child support orders.

(5)        “Filing” means the date the defendant is served with a pleading that seeks establishment or enforcement of a child support obligation, or the date written notice or a pleading is sent to a party seeking establishment or enforcement of a child support obligation.

(6)        “Hearing officer” or “child support hearing officer” means a? clerk or assistant clerk of superior court or a magistrate who has been designated pursuant to this Article to hear and enter orders in child support cases.

(7)        “Initiating party” means the party, the attorney for a party, a child support enforcement agency established pursuant to Title IV, Part D of the Social Security Act, or the clerk of superior court who initiates an action, proceeding, or procedure as allowed or required by law for the establishment or enforcement of a child support obligation. (1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 993, s. 1; 1987, c. 346.)