§ 19-11-126 - Support enforcement agency's services to petitioners; absence of fiduciary relationship - Georgia Statutes

O.C.G.A. 19-11-126 (2010)
19-11-126. Support enforcement agency's services to petitioners; absence of fiduciary relationship

(a) A support enforcement agency of this state, upon request, shall provide services to a petitioner in a proceeding under this article.

(b) A support enforcement agency that is providing services to the petitioner as appropriate shall:

(1) Take all steps necessary to enable an appropriate tribunal in Georgia or another state 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 five 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 or other appropriate agency;

(5) Within five days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after receipt of a written communication from the respondent or the respondent's attorney, send a copy of the communication to the petitioner; and

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

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