Massachusetts General Laws Part III. Courts, Judicial Officers and Proceedings in Civil Cases (Ch. 211-262) Ch. 221B, § 5

The child support cases heard by the child support hearing officers shall be governed by rules promulgated by the Supreme Judicial Court. Such rules shall specify that the parties shall receive adequate notice and opportunity to be heard and present relevant evidence in all proceedings. Such rules shall establish all procedures for child support cases, including initiation of actions, conduct of proceedings before the hearing officers, and approval of hearing officers' orders and judgments by justices of the trial court departments.