Somerset LGBTQ Family Lawyer
Attorney Kisha M. Hebbon is committed to helping LGBTQ+ clients protect their relationships, build families, and resolve legal disputes with dignity and care. Whether you are entering into a marriage or domestic partnership, adopting a child, or going through a separation or custody dispute, our Somerset LGBTQ family lawyer is here to provide knowledgeable guidance every step of the way.
Families come in all forms, and the law is gradually catching up to reflect that reality. LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in Somerset deserve the same legal protections, parental rights, and access to family law remedies as anyone else. At the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC, we proudly serve members of the LGBTQ+ community with compassion, respect, and a strong understanding of the unique challenges they face when navigating family law matters.
Evolving Family Law Rights for LGBTQ+ Clients
The legal landscape for LGBTQ+ families has shifted significantly in recent years. Same-sex marriage has been legal in New Jersey since 2013 and nationwide since 2015, granting same-sex spouses the same legal recognition and responsibilities as heterosexual couples. However, legal protections for LGBTQ+ parents and partners are still evolving—and that can lead to uncertainty, particularly in matters involving child custody, parentage, and adoption.
Our firm helps LGBTQ+ individuals and couples assert their rights, establish legal parentage, and protect their families during times of transition. We understand the nuances of New Jersey family law as it applies to LGBTQ+ clients and tailor our approach to the specific facts and goals of your situation.
Comprehensive Family Law Services for LGBTQ+ Clients in Somerset
We offer a full range of family law services tailored to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in Somerset, including:
Marriage and Divorce
We help LGBTQ+ spouses with prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, property division, spousal support, and other issues that arise during marriage and divorce. Although the laws governing marriage are the same regardless of gender or sexual orientation, LGBTQ+ couples may face complications related to the length of their relationship prior to legal marriage or the treatment of jointly held assets and debts.
Custody and Parenting Time
Establishing and preserving parental rights is crucial, especially for LGBTQ+ parents who may not be biologically related to their children. Whether you are a legal parent through adoption, a non-biological parent seeking recognition, or an individual navigating a co-parenting arrangement, we work to protect your parental role and secure a fair parenting time schedule.
Adoption and Second-Parent Adoption
We assist LGBTQ+ individuals and couples with all forms of adoption, including second-parent (or co-parent) adoptions, stepparent adoptions, and private adoptions. These legal steps are critical in solidifying your parental rights and ensuring that your relationship with your child is recognized and protected under the law.
Assisted Reproduction Agreements
When building a family through surrogacy, sperm donation, or other assisted reproductive methods, it is essential to establish clear legal agreements regarding parental rights, responsibilities, and future expectations. We draft and review agreements that reflect your intentions and minimize the risk of future disputes.
Name and Gender Marker Changes
We help transgender and nonbinary clients legally change their name and gender marker on identity documents such as birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and Social Security records. These updates can be life-affirming and help avoid confusion or discrimination in daily life.
Domestic Violence and Civil Protections
LGBTQ+ individuals facing abuse in intimate relationships are entitled to the same protections available under New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. We represent survivors seeking restraining orders and help ensure their safety and legal protection.
Addressing Unique Challenges in LGBTQ+ Family Law
LGBTQ+ clients often face distinctive legal challenges that require thoughtful, informed representation. These may include, for example:
- Lack of clear legal parentage due to non-biological relationships
- Custody disputes where only one parent is legally recognized
- Resistance from third parties (such as schools or healthcare providers) to acknowledge same-sex or transgender parents
- Complications related to assisted reproduction arrangements
- Concerns about bias or misunderstanding in the legal system
At the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC, in Somerset, we provide a safe, inclusive space for our clients to discuss their concerns and develop legal strategies that reflect their values and priorities. We stay current on evolving case law and statutes affecting LGBTQ+ families to ensure that our clients receive informed and effective advocacy.
Your Family Deserves Legal Protection and Respect
No one should have to fight harder for their parental rights or relationship recognition because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Our firm believes in equal access to family law protections and strives to ensure that LGBTQ+ clients receive the same rights, respect, and legal security as anyone else.
Whether you’re starting a family, dissolving a relationship, or protecting your children, our firm is ready to help. We take the time to understand your goals, explain your options, and advocate for your rights with integrity and strength.
Speak With a Somerset LGBTQ Family Law Attorney
If you are an LGBTQ+ individual or couple in Somerset dealing with a family law issue, you deserve compassionate legal counsel from someone who understands your needs and supports your rights. Contact the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Somerset LGBTQ family lawyer.
