Duties of support-enforcement agency.
1. A support-enforcement agency of this state, upon request, shall provide services to a petitioner in a proceeding under this chapter.
2. A support-enforcement agency that is providing services to the petitioner as appropriate shall:
(a) Take all steps necessary to enable an appropriate tribunal in this state or another state to obtain jurisdiction over the respondent;
(b) Request an appropriate tribunal to set a date, time and place for a hearing;
(c) Make a reasonable effort to obtain all relevant information, including information as to the income and property of the parties;
(d) Within 5 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 to the petitioner;
(e) Within 5 days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after receipt of a written communication from the respondent or his attorney, send a copy of the communication to the petitioner; and
(f) Notify the petitioner if jurisdiction over the respondent cannot be obtained.
3. This chapter does not create or negate a relationship of attorney and client or other fiduciary relationship between a support-enforcement agency or the attorney for the agency and the natural person being assisted by the agency.
Last modified: February 25, 2006