Clearfield County Trial Lawyers Focused on Family Law, Estate Matters, and Criminal Defense

When legal problems threaten your family, your future, or your freedom, you need counsel that is steady, strategic, and responsive. At Hopkins Heltzel LLP, we help clients across Clearfield County and Western Pennsylvania make sound decisions in high‑stakes moments, moving cases forward with clear plans, practical advice, and proven courtroom advocacy.

From our DuBois office, we serve clients throughout Clearfield, Jefferson, and Elk counties and the surrounding communities.

How We Stand Up for Our Clients

We focus our Clearfield County practice on five core areas:

Divorce

Divorce forces life‑shaping choices at an emotionally difficult time. We bring calm, experienced guidance so you can protect what matters and plan for a better tomorrow.

What we handle:
- Contested and uncontested divorce
- Property division and complex asset valuation
- Spousal support/alimony and interim support
- Child support establishment, enforcement, and modification
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders
Our approach:
- Early goal setting and budgeting to reduce surprises
- Strategic negotiation and mediation where it serves your interests
- Focused litigation when protection or clarity requires court action
- Respectful, consistent communication—because you’re a person, not a file

Child Custody

Parenting arrangements must serve your child’s best interests and work in real life. We help you pursue a parenting plan that fits your family.

Factors courts consider:
- Each parent’s relationship with the child, health, stability, and caregiving history
- Work schedules, proximity of homes, and ability to co‑parent
- Any history of abuse or substance issues
- The child’s reasonable preferences, when appropriate
Solutions we pursue:
- Custody agreements tailored to your routines and needs
- Modifications when life changes
- Relocation petitions and defenses
- Grandparents’ rights, guardianships, and related matters

Estate Planning

A clear plan protects your loved ones and your wishes. We craft straightforward, durable documents that reduce uncertainty and conflict.

Plans we prepare:
- Wills and testamentary directives
- Trusts (revocable and irrevocable), special needs planning, guardianship designations
- Financial and health care powers of attorney
- Living wills/advance directives
Why plan now:
- Control who makes decisions, who inherits, and how assets are managed
- Minimize administrative burdens and potential disputes
- Coordinate beneficiary designations and non‑probate transfers

Probate and Estate Administration

After a loss, families need steady help handling debts, assets, and legal obligations. We guide executors and beneficiaries through every step.

How we help:
- Advising executors/administrators on duties and timelines
- Opening the estate, inventories, accountings, and distributions
- Administering estates without a will (intestacy)
- Resolving will contests, trust disputes, and creditor claims
Our promise:
- Clear checklists, timely filings, and communication that lifts the burden while honoring your loved one’s wishes

Criminal Defense

A criminal charge puts your rights, record, and freedom at risk. We move fast to protect you, challenging the state’s evidence and pursuing the best possible outcome.

Cases we defend:
- DUI and driver’s license consequences
- Drug offenses
- Domestic violence and related protective orders
- Theft and property crimes
- Assault and sex crimes
- Probation/parole violations
Why local experience matters:
- Attorney David J. Hopkins has defended clients in local courts for more than 30 years, bringing trial‑tested strategy and a respected reputation to your side.

Why Hopkins Heltzel LLP

Personal attention: You work directly with experienced attorneys who know your story and goals.
Practical strategy: Early case mapping, clear timelines, and options explained in plain English.
Courtroom credibility: Decades of trial experience in Clearfield, Jefferson, and Elk counties.
Efficient execution: Focused teams and disciplined process to control cost and reduce stress.