Somerset Child Support Lawyer
At the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC, we are dedicated to helping parents in Somerset understand, secure, and enforce fair child support arrangements that put the needs of the child first. Whether you are seeking to establish a support order, modify an existing arrangement, or enforce payments that have fallen behind, our Somerset child support lawyer offers strategic guidance grounded in compassion and legal experience.
Raising a child involves countless responsibilities, and one of the most significant is providing consistent financial support. In New Jersey, both parents are legally obligated to contribute to the upbringing of their children, whether or not they were ever married. Child support ensures that children receive the resources they need to grow and thrive, even when their parents live apart.
How Child Support Works in New Jersey
Child support in New Jersey is governed by the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines, a formula-based system that considers various factors to determine an appropriate amount. These guidelines are designed to ensure that children enjoy a standard of living that reflects both parents’ financial resources. However, while the guidelines offer a starting point, many cases involve special circumstances that warrant individualized attention.
Key factors considered in calculating child support include:
- Each parent’s income
- The number of children involved
- The amount of time each parent spends with the child
- The cost of health insurance for the child
- Daycare or childcare expenses
- Any special medical or educational needs
In some high-income or low-income cases, or where parents share custody equally, deviations from the guidelines may be appropriate. Our role is to help you navigate these guidelines and present a complete financial picture to the court to ensure a fair outcome.
Representation for Custodial and Non-Custodial Parents in Somerset
Whether you are the parent receiving child support or the one making payments, having strong legal representation is essential to protecting your rights and your child’s well-being.
If you are the custodial parent—meaning the child lives with you most of the time—you are generally entitled to receive child support from the other parent. We can help you file an application for child support with the court, ensure that all relevant financial information is disclosed, advocate for appropriate consideration of the child’s specific needs, and secure a child support order that accurately reflects the law and your family’s situation.
If you are the non-custodial parent, you have the right to make sure that the support you are being asked to pay is fair and based on accurate financial data. We can assist you by reviewing the proposed support calculations for accuracy, ensuring that both parents’ incomes are fully accounted for, requesting adjustments if there are valid grounds for deviation, and helping you understand your rights and responsibilities.
Modifying Child Support Orders
Life is full of changes—job losses, salary increases, remarriages, new children—and child support orders sometimes need to be modified to reflect those changes. Either parent can request a modification if they experience a substantial change in circumstances that affects their ability to pay or the needs of the child.
Some common reasons for seeking a child support modification include:
- A significant change in income (job loss, promotion, disability)
- A change in the child’s needs (new medical conditions, school expenses)
- A shift in custody or parenting time
- One parent’s remarriage or new financial obligations
At the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC, we help parents in Somerset petition the court for support modifications and ensure that any changes are legally documented and enforceable.
Enforcing Child Support Obligations
Unfortunately, not all parents meet their child support obligations voluntarily. If the other parent has fallen behind on payments, we can help you pursue enforcement through the court system. New Jersey takes child support enforcement seriously and offers several tools to compel payment, including:
- Wage garnishment
- Intercepting tax refunds or lottery winnings
- Suspending driver’s or professional licenses
- Seizing bank accounts or property
- Filing a motion for contempt of court
We understand the stress that unpaid child support can create, especially when it directly impacts your child’s well-being. Our firm is committed to helping you hold the other parent accountable and ensure your child receives the financial support they are entitled to.
What Happens When Child Support Ends?
In New Jersey, child support does not automatically end when a child turns 18. Instead, it typically continues until the child is emancipated, which can occur at age 19 or later depending on the child’s circumstances. For example, support may continue if the child is still attending high school or college full-time, or if the child has special needs.
Parents can petition the court to terminate support once a child is no longer financially dependent. We assist clients in determining when emancipation is appropriate and preparing the necessary court filings to officially end or reduce support obligations.
Working With the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC
Child support matters are often emotional, especially when they involve disputes over money and parenting responsibilities. At the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC, we bring clarity and professionalism to every child support case we handle. We help parents understand their rights, comply with legal obligations, and prioritize the financial security of their children.
Attorney Kisha M. Hebbon is known throughout Somerset and beyond for her dedication to clients, thorough understanding of New Jersey family law, and personalized approach to every matter. Whether you are entering the child support system for the first time or need assistance with enforcement or modification, our firm is here to support you at every step.
Speak With a Somerset Child Support Attorney Today
Financial support plays a critical role in your child’s future. Let an experienced Somerset child support lawyer help you navigate New Jersey’s legal system and achieve a fair result. Contact the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC, today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you resolve your child support concerns with confidence and care.
