Services
Wills
While having a Will isn't required by the State of Georgia, when you pass away, it makes managing the estate, making the final arrangements, and the grieving process less stressful on those we leave behind.
Contact one of our Case Managers today, about drafting your Last Will & Testament.
Our fee, $60.00
Durable Health Care POA & Living Will
HODGEPODGE understands that discussing end of life options can lead to uncomfortable and emotional conversations with those who love us.
That's why it's crucial you have a written, legal document that designates an agent to make medical decisions for you.
It's also imperative for you to have your medical preferences in writing in the event you become incapacitated.
Contact one of our Case Managers today, to discuss how drafting and executing these documents will be burden releasing.
Durable Health Care POA: $50.00
Living Will: $50.00
Bundle: $80.00
Debt Negotiation
Sometimes, life catches us off-guard and we get into debt situations we're overwhelmed by. This can result in collection attempts that are not only frustrating and annoying, but could possibly lead to a suit, garnishment, or property seizure.
A HODGEPODGE Case Manager will contact the creditor up to 5 times in an attempt to get the debt reduced or waived.
Our fee is a flat rate, which means that whether or not we're successful there are no refunds. It also means for example, if a creditor agrees to a settlement on the third attempt, there is no pro-rated refund because the agreed upon maximum number of attempts wasn't necessary.
Contact one of our Case Managers today, to discuss the possibility of ending the collection attempts and reducing your debt and your stress.
Our fee, $100.00 (additional fees may be required for postage, etc)
Divorce (Uncontested)
Unfortunately, some marriages just don't work and it's better for the parties to move-on.
If you have lived in a Georgia county for at least six months, and you're sure your spouse also wants the divorce, HODDGEPODGE can prepare all the required legal documents to set you both on the path to your new life!
There are a few requirements: You must not have any minor children together, not be expecting a child together, have minimal or no joint assets, minimal joint debts, and it would be most helpful if the parties have already agreed to a distribution of property or have already distributed the marital property.
Contact one of our Case Managers today, to discuss your divorce.
Our fee, $120.00 (additional fees may be required for postage, etc. and of course, you're responsible for any court fees)
Services
Separate Maintenace - Uncontested (Legal Separation in other states)
If you and your spouse have found yourselves seemingly living separate lives and your relationship is no longer what it used to be, or maybe, not where you thought it would be, you may have found yourself wondering "Is there life out there?"
Unlike many states, Georgia doesn’t legally recognize what is formally known as a "legal separation" in other states. In Georgia, a legal separation is legally refered to as a Separate Maintenance action.
There are some procedural differences in a separate maintenance action vs. a divorce. First, there is no six-month residency requirement. Second, the defendant must be personally served - there isn't an option for service by publication.
If you are legally married and both spouses are unsure a divorce is what you want, but you are both in agreement a separation is necessary, consider filing a petition for separate maintenance.
If you don't have any children and there aren't a lot of joint marital assets and debts, and you decide a separate maintenance action is what you want, contact one of our Case Managers to discuss starting the process.
Our fee, $120.00 (additional fees may be required for postage, etc. and of course, you're responsible for any court fees)
Cohabitation Agreements
In recent years, cohabitation outside of marriage has become increasingly common in Georgia and across the United States.
Unlike many states, Georgia doesn’t legally recognize cohabitation in the same way as marriage and stopped recognizing common law marriages many years ago.
In the absence of a marriage, Georgia courts generally view each party in a cohabitation arrangement as an individual entity without any real legal connection to the other party, especially regarding property and assets. So. unless there is irrefutable evidence of joint ownership or investment in a property, it is likely to be awarded to the person who holds the title, purchased the asset or acquired the debt. However, both parties can take legal steps to protect their rights.
If you are cohabitating or considering it, it's wise to contact one of our Case Managers to discuss executing a legally recognized Cohabitation Agreement.
Our fee, $60.00
Guardianship of a Minor (Uncontested) Probate Court
Granting temporary guardianship of a minor child to another person is a process most parents never consider. However, personal or financial challenges sometimes warrant this useful legal option so a responsible adult can be there to safeguard the child’s well-being.
The process begins with the potential guardian submitting a petition to the probate court in the child’s county of residence; and a background check on the petitioner is typically part of the process. After the petition is filed, the court schedules a hearing to evaluate the request.
During the hearing, the judge reviews the necessity of the guardianship and the petitioner’s qualifications; and a guardian ad litem (attorney for the minor) may be appointed to represent the child’s interests.
Under Georgia law, guardians are empowered to make decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and general welfare, acting in loco parentis.
Guardians are also responsible for preserving the child’s relationship with their biological parents, promoting contact when it aligns with the child’s best interest.
If you or someone you know is in need of a minor guardianship, and it is an uncontested (all interested parties are in agreement) matter, please have them call one of our case managers.
Our fee, $60.00
Minor Child Care Power of Attorney (No formal hearing)
Obtaining guardianship of a child is often associated with court proceedings, but in Georgia, alternative methods allow individuals to assume caregiving responsibilities without formal legal intervention.
The Georgia Code allows parents to delegate caregiving responsibilities to another adult through a Power of Attorney for the care of a minor child. Under O.C.G.A. 19-9-120, without relinquishing their parental rights.
This provision permits parents to grant temporary authority to another individual for decisions regarding the child’s welfare, education, and healthcare. This delegation can last up to one year and is renewable, offering flexibility for families in transitional situations.
*Note* Informal guardianship arrangements, such as a Power of Attorney for Minor Care or a Caregiver Affidavit, are subject to specific legal limitations to safeguard the child’s welfare. For example, under O.C.G.A. 19-9-120, the Power of Attorney cannot be used to circumvent child welfare investigations or court orders.
Our fee, $60.00
Services
Name Changes - Adults
Some legal name changes are necessary. For example, to straighten out various versions of your name on different government documents. Sometimes, you just don’t feel like your name fits your personality, you want to honor someone in your life, or you’ve just never really cared for your name.
If you’re an adult, U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, name changes in Georgia are typically not a lengthy process; it generally takes between 6-8 weeks before you can begin the process of updating your name on government identification and other documents.
Give one of our Case Managers a call to discuss petitioning the court for a name change If you’re an adult, U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident in need of or wanting a name change.
Our fee, $60.00 (additional fees may be required for postage, etc. and of course, you're responsible for any court fees)
Quick Notes:
- If you filed for a name change when you applied for your marriage license, to take the name of your spouse, your marriage certificate is your legal name change document. There’s no reason to apply again for a name change; or
- If you are applying to become a U.S. citizen, you may request a name change during the naturalization process.
Notary Public
Our case managers are registered as Notary Publics with the State of Georgia and do not give legal advice.
We offer notary services only to our clients as part of their preparation service.
Note for our clients:
In order to comply with the State of Georgia notary laws, the case manager who prepared your pro se documents will not be the case manager meeting with you to notarize (execute) your documents.
HODGEPODGE Legal Document Preparation LLC case managers do not offer mobile notary services.
Don't see what you need help with?
Contact one of our case managers and tell us what legal document or legal matter you need help with and we'll let you know if we can help.
Just understand, that for liability purposes, we're not allowed to give you referrals to specific attorneys, but we can tell you what type of attorney you need to contact.
Please remember, our case managers only offer civil law, pro se administrative support. Meaning, we only assist in the completion of pro se legal documents that do not require completion by a licensed attorney.
Definition of pro se:
When an individual acts on his own behalf during a legal action, rather than through an attorney, he is considered to be a pro se litigant. This Latin term literally means “advocating on one’s own behalf.”
In all jurisdictions in the United States, an individual is allowed to represent himself, whether as the plaintiff or defendant in a civil lawsuit, or as the defendant in a criminal case.
https://legaldictionary.net/civil-lawsuit/
Our Contractors/Case Managers are not licensed attorneys and do not provide legal advice.
Payment Options
HODGEPODGE Legal Services Preparation LLC case managers accept the following forms of digital payment:
CashApp, Pay Pal, Venmo, and Zelle. On your invoice, there will be more detailed payment information regarding payment to your case manager for each of the above-referenced payment methods.
Case managers do not accept or carry cash!