Ch. 609

1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(b) In a proceeding for arrearages, the statute of limitation under the laws of this
State or of the issuing state, whichever is longer, applies.

Subpart B. Contest of Validity or Enforcement.
[10-335.] 10-344.

(a)     When a support order or income withholding order issued in another state is
registered, the registering tribunal shall notify the nonregistering party. [Notice must be
given by first-class, certified, or registered mail or by any means of personal service
authorized by the law of this State.] The notice must be accompanied by a copy of the
registered order and the documents and relevant information accompanying the order.

(b)     The notice must inform the nonregistering party:

(1)     that a registered order is enforceable as of the date of registration in the
same manner as an order issued by a tribunal of this State;

(2)     that a hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered
order must be requested within 20 days after the date of mailing or personal service of the

notice;

(3)     that failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order
in a timely manner will result in confirmation of the order and enforcement of the order
and the alleged arrearages and precludes further contest of that order with respect to any
matter that could have been asserted; and

(4)     of the amount of any alleged arrearages.

(c)     Upon registration of an income withholding order for enforcement, the
registering tribunal shall notify the obligor's employer pursuant to Subtitle 1 of this title.

[10-336.] 10-345.

(a)     A nonregistering party seeking to contest the validity or enforcement of a
registered order in this State shall request a hearing within 20 days after the date of
mailing or personal service of notice of the registration. The nonregistering party may
seek to vacate the registration, to assert any defense to an allegation of noncompliance
with the registered order, or to contest the remedies being sought or the amount of any
alleged arrearages pursuant to § [10-337] 10-346 of this subtitle (Contest of registration
or enforcement).

(b)     If the nonregistering party fails to contest the validity or enforcement of the
registered order in a timely manner, the order is confirmed by operation of law.

(c)     If a nonregistering party requests a hearing to contest the validity or
enforcement of the registered order, the registering tribunal shall schedule the matter for
hearing and give notice to the parties [by first-class mail] of the date, time, and place of
the hearing.

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