Section 209D:7-701 - DefinitionsIn 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.Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 209D, § 7-701
Amended by Acts 2016, c. 53,§ 1, eff. 3/31/2016.