Middlesex County Child Relocation Lawyer
At the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC, we represent clients in Middlesex County who are seeking or opposing a relocation. Middlesex County child relocation lawyer Kisha M. Hebbon has over 20 years of experience in New Jersey family law and provides compassionate, strategic counsel in these highly sensitive matters. Whether you are a custodial parent pursuing a move or a non-custodial parent trying to protect your time with your child, we are here to protect your rights and advocate for your child’s best interests.
When a parent seeks to relocate with their child after a divorce or custody order, the legal and emotional stakes can be high. Whether the move is prompted by a new job, family support, or a desire for a fresh start, relocation can significantly affect a child’s relationship with the other parent. New Jersey law places strict requirements on relocation when it affects existing custody arrangements—and courts don’t grant these requests lightly.
What Is Considered a “Relocation” in New Jersey?
Under New Jersey law, relocation refers to any move that would significantly interfere with the other parent’s ability to exercise their court-ordered parenting time. This often means moving out of state, but it can also include in-state moves if the distance would create a hardship—especially if the move would require changing schools or significantly reduce the non-custodial parent’s access to the child.
Whether the parent has sole or joint physical custody is also a key factor in how the court evaluates relocation. In most cases today, physical custody is shared in some capacity, and even a move within the state may require the other parent’s consent or court approval.
Legal Standards for Relocation
In a landmark 2017 decision, the New Jersey Supreme Court changed how relocation cases are evaluated. Courts now apply the best interests of the child standard to all relocation requests—whether made by a parent with sole custody or shared custody. This means that the parent seeking to relocate must prove that the move is in the child’s best interests, not just their own.
Courts will evaluate factors such as:
- The reasons for the move and the reasons for opposition
- The quality of each parent’s relationship with the child
- The impact of the move on the child’s education, family relationships, and emotional development
- The availability of alternative parenting arrangements
- Whether the relocation will enhance the custodial parent’s and child’s quality of life
- The feasibility of maintaining a relationship between the child and the non-relocating parent
Relocation cases often require testimony, expert reports, and detailed parenting plans. Attorney Kisha M. Hebbon works meticulously to build strong cases that address each of these factors and present a compelling argument in support of your position.
Pursuing a Relocation Request in Middlesex County
If you are a parent seeking to move with your child, it is crucial to begin the legal process early. You will need to provide a clear and well-documented reason for the move, evidence of how the move will benefit the child, and a proposed parenting plan that maintains meaningful contact between the child and the non-relocating parent.
Relocation petitions often require supporting materials such as job offers, housing information, school records, and family support networks in the new location. Our firm helps clients prepare comprehensive, persuasive relocation applications designed to meet the court’s expectations and give the child the best possible outcome.
We also help clients prepare for mediation or trial if the other parent contests the move. Attorney Hebbon is a skilled negotiator and litigator who knows how to manage the emotional dynamics and legal issues of these complex disputes.
Opposing a Relocation
If you are a non-custodial or joint-custody parent facing the prospect of your child moving away, it is natural to feel a sense of urgency and concern. Relocation can strain or even sever the parent-child bond if not properly addressed. You have the right to oppose the move, and the court must seriously consider your objections.
Attorney Kisha M. Hebbon can help you challenge a relocation request by:
- Presenting evidence of the importance of your ongoing relationship with the child
- Showing how the move would negatively affect the child’s emotional and social development
- Demonstrating that the custodial parent’s reasons for moving are insufficient or self-serving
- Proposing alternative arrangements that maintain the child’s stability and connection to both parents
Every case is unique, and our goal is always to preserve your role in your child’s life while ensuring their overall well-being.
Negotiating Relocation Agreements
In some cases, parents may be able to reach a mutual agreement about relocation without going to court. This often involves modifying the existing custody and visitation order to accommodate longer or fewer visits, extended holidays, and frequent virtual communication.
Attorney Hebbon can help you negotiate a revised parenting schedule that reflects the new realities while minimizing disruption to the child’s life. These agreements can be formalized through a consent order and submitted to the court for approval.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC?
Relocation cases are among the most emotionally charged matters in family law. Whether you are asking to relocate or fighting to prevent a move, you need an attorney who combines legal skill, empathy, and assertiveness. At the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC, we provide over two decades of experience in New Jersey family law, personalized attention and thoughtful case strategy, a strong record of success in relocation disputes, and a deep commitment to protecting children and preserving family bonds. We understand how much is at stake in these cases and will be by your side every step of the way.
Talk to a Middlesex County Child Relocation Attorney Today
Time is often critical in relocation matters. If you’re considering a move or responding to a proposed relocation, contact the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC as soon as possible. We’ll review your situation, explain your rights and options, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your goals and your child’s best interests.
