Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 209D, § 7-701: Definitions

Section 7–701. Definitions. In this article:

(1) ''Application'', a request under the Convention by an obligee or obligor or on behalf of a child, made through a central authority for assistance from another central authority.

(2) ''Central authority'', the entity designated by the United States or a foreign country described in section 1–102(5)(iv) to perform the functions specified in the Convention.

(3) ''Convention support order'', a support order of a tribunal of a foreign country described in section 1–102(5)(iv).

(4) ''Direct request'', a petition filed by an individual in a tribunal of the commonwealth in a proceeding involving an obligee, obligor or child residing outside the United States.

(5) ''Foreign central authority'', the entity designated by a foreign country described in section 1–102(5)(iv) to perform the functions specified in the Convention.

(6) ''Foreign support agreement'':

(A) means an agreement for support in a record that:

(i) is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin;

(ii) has been:

(I) formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal; or

(II) authenticated by or concluded, registered or filed with a foreign tribunal; and

(iii) may be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal; and

(B) includes a maintenance arrangement or authentic instrument under the Convention.

(7) ''United States central authority'', the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.