Section 21 Interpretation, etc.C1C2

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, the following expressions have the following meanings—

• F1...

• . . . F2

• “defendant”, in relation to a maintenance order or a related attachment of earnings order, means the person liable to make payments under the maintenance order;

• . . .

• “England” includes Wales;

• . . .

• “prescribed” means prescribed by rules of court;

• F3“proper officer”, in relation to a magistrates’ court, means the clerk of the court;

• F4...

Any reference in this Act to a person entitled to receive payments under a maintenance order is a reference to a person entitled to receive such payments either directly or through another person or for transmission to another person.

Any reference in this Act to proceedings relating to an order includes a reference to proceedings in which the order may be made.

Any reference in this Act to costs incurred in proceedings relating to a maintenance order shall be construed, in the case of a maintenance order made by the High Court, as a reference to such costs as are included in an order for costs relating solely to that maintenance order.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F5

Any reference in this Act to any enactment is a reference to that enactment as amended by or under any subsequent enactment.