Middlesex County Child Support Lawyer
At the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC, we help parents manage the child support process with confidence. With over two decades of experience in family law, Middlesex County child support lawyer Kisha M. Hebbon brings knowledge, compassion, and a strong commitment to protecting children’s best interests and upholding the rights of parents.
Child support plays a vital role in ensuring that children receive the financial resources they need to thrive. In New Jersey, both parents are legally obligated to support their children, whether they are married, divorced, or were never married to begin with. However, calculating, modifying, and enforcing child support can be complex undertakings, particularly when parents disagree on financial matters or when circumstances change over time.
How Child Support Is Determined in New Jersey
New Jersey uses a set of statewide guidelines to calculate child support. These guidelines take into account a variety of factors, including:
- The income of both parents
- The number of children requiring support
- The amount of time each parent spends with the child
- The cost of health insurance, daycare, and other expenses
- Existing support obligations from previous relationships
The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure fairness and consistency across cases. However, the process is not always straightforward. Determining each parent’s income, assessing the appropriate parenting time schedule, and deciding how to factor in special expenses can become points of dispute. In addition, parents with fluctuating incomes or self-employment income may face additional challenges.
Attorney Hebbon works closely with clients to gather the necessary documentation, clarify financial issues, and advocate for a support amount that is both accurate and appropriate for the family’s circumstances.
Child Support in Divorce and Non-Marital Cases
Child support is often addressed during divorce proceedings, but it can also arise between unmarried parents. Regardless of marital status, child support must be established either by agreement or court order. If you are a custodial parent seeking support, or a non-custodial parent who wants to ensure fair treatment, our firm can help you initiate or respond to a child support application.
In divorce cases, child support is typically included in the final judgment, along with custody and parenting time arrangements. If you are separating or divorcing, it is essential to have an attorney who understands how child support interacts with other family law issues and can craft a comprehensive, legally sound resolution.
Modifying Child Support Orders
Life changes—and when it does, your child support order may need to be updated. Either parent can request a modification of child support if they can demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons for seeking a modification include:
- A significant change in income, such as job loss or promotion
- A change in parenting time that affects the guideline calculation
- Increased needs of the child, such as medical or educational expenses
- The emancipation of one or more children
- A change in health insurance or childcare costs
Modifying child support requires more than just a verbal agreement between parents. To be enforceable, any changes must be approved by the court. Our firm assists clients in petitioning for or opposing child support modifications and ensures that all procedural and evidentiary requirements are met.
Enforcing Child Support Obligations in Middlesex County
Unfortunately, child support orders are not always honored. If the paying parent falls behind or refuses to pay, the custodial parent has legal options to enforce the order. New Jersey courts have several enforcement tools at their disposal, including:
- Wage garnishment
- Tax refund interception
- Driver’s license suspension
- Seizure of bank accounts or property
- Contempt of court proceedings
We understand the frustration and hardship that can come from unpaid child support. Attorney Hebbon works aggressively to help clients recover what they are owed while pursuing solutions that prioritize the child’s well-being.
At the same time, we also represent paying parents who may be facing enforcement actions due to temporary setbacks. If you are behind on payments, we can help you request a modification or negotiate a payment plan to avoid further legal consequences.
Special Considerations in High-Income or Complex Cases
In situations involving high-income parents, multiple children, or children with special needs, the standard child support guidelines may not fully apply. In situations like these, the court may choose to depart from the guidelines to create an award that better reflects the family’s financial circumstances and the child’s needs.
Our firm has experience handling these more complicated cases and can advise you on how to approach the matter. We work with financial experts when necessary to ensure that all income and expenses are fully accounted for and that your child support award is fair and legally sound.
A Practical and Compassionate Approach to Child Support
Child support can be a contentious topic, but it doesn’t have to be a battle. At the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC, we strive to resolve support issues through negotiation and agreement whenever possible. However, we are also prepared to litigate aggressively when needed to protect your rights and your child’s interests.
We understand that each family is unique, and we tailor our approach to reflect your goals, values, and concerns. Whether you are seeking support, challenging an unfair demand, or seeking to resolve a dispute, you can count on our legal team to provide clear guidance and strong advocacy.
Speak with a Middlesex County Child Support Attorney Today
If you need help with a child support issue in Middlesex County, don’t wait to get trusted legal advice. The Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC is here to answer your questions, explain your rights, and represent your interests in and out of court. Contact us today to get the support you need to move forward with confidence.
