Massachusetts General Laws
Article 7 - Support Proceeding Under Convention.
Section 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.