Middlesex County Child Custody Lawyer
At the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC, we represent parents in custody matters with sensitivity and strength. Middlesex County child custody lawyer Kisha M. Hebbon brings more than 20 years of experience in family law to each case. She understands the legal, emotional, and practical challenges parents face and works closely with clients to craft solutions that promote long-term stability for the entire family.
Child custody is often the most emotional and difficult issue in a divorce or separation. Parents naturally want to preserve their relationship with their children and ensure their well-being, but disputes over custody can quickly become contentious and overwhelming. Whether you’re negotiating an agreement or heading to court, having experienced legal counsel is critical to protecting your parental rights and the best interests of your child.
Legal and Physical Custody in New Jersey
New Jersey law distinguishes between two types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make major decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, such as decisions about education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. Physical custody (also called residential custody) refers to where the child lives and how much time they spend with each parent.
In most cases, courts prefer to award joint legal custody, allowing both parents to participate in major decisions. Physical custody may be shared as well, or one parent may be granted primary physical custody while the other has parenting time (visitation). However, the specific arrangement will depend on what the court believes is in the child’s best interests.
The “Best Interests of the Child” Standard
Custody decisions in New Jersey are guided by a legal standard known as the best interests of the child. This means that the court will evaluate a variety of factors to determine what custody arrangement best supports the child’s health, safety, education, and emotional development. Key factors include:
- The parents’ ability to communicate and cooperate
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The stability of each parent’s home environment
- Any history of domestic violence or abuse
- The child’s needs and the ability of each parent to meet them
- The child’s preference, depending on age and maturity
- The parents’ employment responsibilities and schedules
Attorney Kisha M. Hebbon is well-versed in how Middlesex County courts apply these factors and knows how to present a strong case that supports your goals while centering the child’s needs.
Developing a Parenting Plan
If you and your co-parent can work together to develop a parenting plan, you may be able to avoid a lengthy court battle. A parenting plan is a written agreement that outlines how custody and visitation will be handled, including details such as weekly schedules, holidays and vacations, transportation and pick-up/drop-off arrangements, how communication between parents and with the child will be handled, and addressing how major decisions will be made.
Creating a parenting plan through negotiation or mediation gives parents more control over the outcome and can lead to less conflict in the future. At the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC, we help clients negotiate fair and workable parenting plans that prioritize the child’s well-being.
When agreement is not possible, we are fully prepared to advocate for your rights and your child’s interests in court. Attorney Hebbon is a seasoned litigator who knows how to handle complex custody trials with clarity and focus.
Modifying Custody Orders in Middlesex County
Custody arrangements are not always permanent. As children grow and circumstances change, the original custody order may no longer meet the needs of the child or the parents. In these cases, a parent can request a modification of the custody order, which might be agreed to or challenged by the other parent
To succeed in a modification request, you must show that there has been a significant change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Examples include:
- A parent relocating
- A change in the child’s needs or health
- A parent’s new work schedule
- Issues involving abuse, neglect, or substance abuse
- Persistent failure to follow the existing custody schedule
We assist clients in both seeking and opposing custody modifications, always with a focus on achieving outcomes that serve the child’s best interests.
Enforcing Custody and Visitation Rights
If your co-parent is interfering with your custody or parenting time—whether by withholding visits, refusing to follow the schedule, or moving the child without your consent—you have legal options. New Jersey courts take violations of custody orders seriously, and enforcement actions can result in makeup time, fines, or changes to the custody arrangement.
Attorney Kisha M. Hebbon provides effective representation in enforcement actions. She understands how emotionally fraught these situations can be and works to resolve them swiftly and effectively while preserving the parent-child bond.
Custody and Unmarried Parents
When unmarried parents separate, custody still needs to be legally established. In New Jersey, the mother automatically has legal custody of a child born outside of marriage, but the father has the right to seek custody or parenting time once paternity (parentage) is confirmed.
If you are an unmarried parent in Middlesex County seeking to assert your rights or resolve custody disputes, our firm can guide you through the legal process. We can assist with paternity actions, custody petitions, and the development of parenting time agreements that meet the unique needs of your family.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC?
When the future of your relationship with your child is at stake, you need an attorney who combines legal skills with genuine care. At the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC, we provide:
- A deep understanding of New Jersey custody law and family court procedures
- A client-focused approach that listens to your concerns and goals
- Strong advocacy in both negotiation and litigation
- A commitment to protecting your child’s well-being at every stage
We work with clients from all walks of life and with families of all structures. No matter how complex your situation may seem, we’re here to help you through it with confidence.
Talk to a Middlesex County Child Custody Attorney Today
If you’re facing a custody dispute in Middlesex County or simply need guidance on your rights and options, don’t wait to get experienced legal help. Contact the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC. We’re ready to stand by your side and help you protect what matters most—your child.
