Definitions. In this article:\n(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.\n(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.\n(3) ''Convention support order'', a support order of a tribunal of a foreign country described in section 1–102(5)(iv).\n(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.\n(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.\n(6) ''Foreign support agreement'':\n(A) means an agreement for support in a record that:\n(i) is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin;\n(ii) has been:\n(I) formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal; or\n(II) authenticated by or concluded, registered or filed port order in the country of origin;\n(ii) has been:\n(I) formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal; or\n(II) authenticated by or concluded, registered or filed with a foreign tribunal; and\n(iii) may be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal; and\n(B) includes a maintenance arrangement or authentic instrument under the Convention.\n(7) ''United States central authority'', the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
Massachusetts Legal Code