Liebow

In these original proceedings, we are called upon to interpret, in a sister state, delinquent alimony context, section 1710.10 et seq. of the Code of Civil Procedure added by Statutes 1974, chapter 211, section 3, and since amended, having to do with California procedures for recognizing and enforcing in California the money judgments of sister states of our federal union. Such task likewise calls upon us to read the statutes noted in conjunction with certain provisions of the Revised Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act of 1968 (RURESA), being section 1650 et seq. of the Code of Civil Procedure and particularly section 1653, subdivision (k) which defines a “support order” for purposes of the act.

Before turning to what happened in the case before us, a brief commentary is in order. The 1974 sister state money judgments act, sections 1710.10 to 1710.65 inclusive of the Code of Civil Procedure, was enacted, according to Witkin, to provide “a simple alternative method of registration [of foreign money judgments] for enforcement, but affords the judgment debtor an opportunity to present any available defenses. [Citations.]” (5 Witkin, Cal. Procedure (2d ed. 1981…