Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A.

Custody and Visitation Rights: What Divorcing Parents in New Jersey Need to Know

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:42:17 -0400

As a parent preparing for a divorce, addressing custody and visitation is a key part of the process. In New Jersey, the law does not inherently favor either parent, and the focus is on serving the best interests of the child (or children) involved. An experienced Vineland divorce lawyer can help you understand what this means for your individual circumstances, and your lawyer can help you work toward developing a post-divorce parenting plan that works for you while also meeting your child’s or children’s needs.

New Jersey Domestic Violence Restraining Orders: Understanding the Family Court Process

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Accusations of domestic violence can have multiple legal implications in New Jersey. Not only can individuals who have been accused of domestic violence face criminal charges, but they can also face domestic violence restraining orders in New Jersey Family Court, and these are civil, not criminal. Domestic violence restraining orders typically provide several strong protections for accusers, and violating a domestic violence restraining order can lead to additional criminal consequences.

What Can (and Should) You Expect from Your Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If you are facing charges in New Jersey’s criminal justice system, hiring an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself. While you have the right to represent yourself if you choose to do so, there are several important reasons to put an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Disorderly Conduct Charge in New Jersey?

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Facing a disorderly conduct charge is many people’s first introduction to New Jersey’s criminal justice system. While a disorderly conduct charge may seem relatively minor, a conviction could lead to fines and jail time—so it is well worth putting an experienced New Jersey disorderly conduct attorney on your side.

What is a Power of Attorney (and Do I Need One for My Estate Plan in New Jersey)?

Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

While there are several important considerations involved in putting together an estate plan, one of the most important considerations is comprehensiveness. When providing guidance for your loved ones, you do not want to leave any key questions unanswered. While you cannot predict the future, you can plan for it, and you can work with your Vineland estate planning attorney to ensure that your loved ones have the necessary guidance regardless of what the future may hold.

Domestic Violence in New Jersey: Crimes, Penalties & Defenses

Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Domestic violence allegations are serious. Regardless of the circumstances of your case, if you have been charged with domestic violence in New Jersey, you need to be prepared to protect yourself by all means available. A conviction could have life-altering consequences, and while you may have strong defenses available, it will be up to you to assert these defenses effectively. Learn more from an experienced New Jersey domestic violence lawyer.

Summer Break DUIs: What New Jersey Residents and Visitors Need to Know

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

With summer break just around the corner, police departments across New Jersey are preparing to ramp up drunk-driving enforcement. While drunk driving enforcement is a priority year-round, we typically see a spike in DUI arrests at the start of summer break. Learn some key facts to know about facing a summer break DUI from an experienced New Jersey DUI lawyer at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A.

Revocable Living Trusts: Understanding Their Benefits (and Limitations) for Estate Planning

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Revocable living trusts are popular estate planning tools that can be used to achieve a variety of short-term and long-term planning goals. With that said, they aren’t necessarily right for every scenario. While revocable living trusts offer several benefits, they are subject to certain limitations, which makes it important to carefully consider all available options when putting an estate plan in place. Learn more from an experienced Vineland estate planning attorney:

Theft in New Jersey: Crimes, Penalties & Defenses

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

New Jersey law establishes several theft-related offenses. All of these offenses carry fines and jail (or prison) time, and having a theft conviction on your record can negatively impact your life in many ways. As a result, if you have been arrested for theft, it is important to understand the specific risks you face and to discuss your case promptly with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer.

How Does Alimony Work in New Jersey?

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Alimony often plays a key role in the divorce process. For divorcing spouses who have limited or no income, securing alimony can be critical for preserving their financial stability post-divorce. For divorcing spouses who were the primary earners during their marriage, ensuring they are not required to pay more than necessary can be critical to preserving their standard of living. In both scenarios, working closely with an experienced Vineland divorce lawyer is essential to making informed, future-focused decisions.

More good news! We are also delighted to announced that attorney Michael Cifelli has joined our firm as Of Counsel.

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:38:08 -0400

More good news! We are also delighted to announced that attorney Michael Cifelli has joined our firm as Of Counsel. Michael will add a depth of experience to our civil and municipal court departments , and we are thrilled to have him join us. You can learn more about him at his page.

HCK is thrilled to welcome attorney Fran Barto to our HCK family.

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:28:19 -0400

HCK is thrilled to welcome attorney Fran Barto to our HCK family. She brings a wealth of experience that will provide increased resources for our clients, included but not limited to education law and civil practice. Please see her bio for more details.

New Jersey DUI Defense: Why Challenging Your BAC Isn't Enough

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Facing a DUI charge in New Jersey presents serious risks. Along with fines and other penalties, DUI convictions can lead to academic, professional, and other consequences. As a result, it is critical for individuals who are facing drunk driving charges to hire an experienced New Jersey DUI lawyer who can help protect them by all means available.

Dividing Assets and Debts: 7 Practical Considerations for Divorcing Spouses in New Jersey

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Dividing assets is a key part of any divorce in New Jersey. For couples with outstanding debts, dividing them is a key part of the process as well. As with all parts of the process, dividing assets and debts requires informed decision-making, and both spouses should work closely with an experienced Vineland divorce lawyer who can help them make informed decisions with their long-term best interests in mind.

Who Needs an Estate Plan (and Why)?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Who needs an estate plan? It is a simple question, and most people assume it has a simple answer. But, while this question does indeed have a simple answer, it is not the answer most people think. Keep reading to learn more from an experienced Trenton estate planning attorney.

Why Many People Include Revocable Trusts in Their Estate Plans

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

When preparing an estate plan, achieving your goals starts with choosing the right tools for the job. For many people, this will involve choosing a revocable trust. Revocable trusts are flexible estate planning tools that can serve a variety of purposes, and, as a result, they will be the right choice in a wide range of circumstances. Learn more from an experienced Trenton estate planning attorney.

Should I Ask My Fiancé to Sign a Prenup?

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Anyone has the option to sign a prenup before they get married. Signing a prenup can serve a variety of purposes—including ones entirely unrelated to the possibility of going through a divorce down the road. So, should you ask your fiancé to sign a prenup? Learn about some important considerations from an experienced Bridgeton family lawyer:

Harassment in New Jersey: Crimes, Penalties & Defenses

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Individuals in New Jersey can face harassment charges under a wide range of circumstances. In-person and online harassment can both lead to criminal charges under state law, and convictions can lead to fines, jail time, and other penalties. If you’ve been arrested, keep reading to learn what you need to know from an experienced New Jersey harassment lawyer:

Understanding the Consequences of a DUI Conviction in New Jersey

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In New Jersey, a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) can have serious and long-term consequences. Even though New Jersey classifies DUI as a traffic offense rather than a crime, a conviction can still lead to fines, jail time, and other penalties. The risk of facing these penalties makes it critical to have an experienced New Jersey DUI lawyer on your side.

Gun Charges in New Jersey: Crimes, Penalties & Defenses

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:19:03 -0500

New Jersey law establishes several gun-related offenses. If you have been charged with any type of gun crime in New Jersey, you are facing serious consequences, and you need to be prepared to defend yourself by all means available. This starts with hiring an experienced New Jersey gun charge lawyer to represent you.

Cyberstalking in New Jersey: Crimes, Penalties & Defenses

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Facing accusations of cyberstalking can have serious consequences. As a result, if you have been charged with cyberstalking in New Jersey, you need to be prepared to defend yourself by all means available. To ensure that you are making informed decisions with your long-term best interests in mind, you should consult with an experienced New Jersey cyberstalking lawyer as soon as possible.

New Jersey Marijuana Laws (2026 Update)

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

New Jersey’s marijuana laws are continuing to evolve in 2026. An important new law that Governor Murphy signed on January 12 took effect the next day, and two bills currently pending in the New Jersey Legislature could potentially bring additional changes later in the year. At the same time, several important aspects of New Jersey’s marijuana laws are remaining unchanged—including the laws governing the state’s medical marijuana and recreational (or “adult use”) marijuana programs. Learn more from an experienced New Jersey drug crime lawyer at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A.

New Jersey DUI Laws (2026 Update)

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

If you are facing a DUI in New Jersey, you are not alone. Driving under the influence (DUI) is among the most common reasons for arrests in New Jersey, and prosecutors and judges statewide take drunk driving cases very seriously. Learn what you need to know about New Jersey’s drunk driving laws in 2026 from an experienced New Jersey DUI lawyer at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A.

Preparing for a Divorce in 2026? Here Are Some Key Considerations

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

If you are preparing to go through a divorce in 2026, you are not alone. From the holidays to New Year’s resolutions, this is a time of year when many people reflect on what they want out of life and how their relationships are (or aren’t) meeting their needs. If you have decided that you are ready to move on from your marriage, there are some steps that you can (and should) take to prepare. Learn more from an experienced Vineland divorce lawyer.

What Documents Should You Include in Your Estate Plan in 2026?

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

It’s never too early to create an estate plan. However, it can be too late. If you unexpectedly become incapacitated or tragically lose your life in a fatal accident, your loved ones won’t be able to rely on your guidance if you haven’t put a plan in place. With this in mind, if you are thinking about creating an estate plan in 2026, we encourage you to sit down with a Trenton estate planning attorney at our firm to start the process.