May 2021 Newsletter

Georgians have enjoyed the beautiful April that our state is famous for. We look forward to May, another month bursting with colorful blossoms and vibrant green grass. We’re feeling that extra surge of energy and enthusiasm the turn of season brings and are more eager than ever to serve our clients and meet new ones.

May is National Foster Child/Parent Month. Recent tax changes have been established to financially assist those adopting foster children. Check out the new Georgia tax credit for families adopting children who were previously in the DFCS foster care system.

To welcome spring, we recently supported a Keep Marietta Beautiful event. Read about how the community came out and supported their Shredding Day by ridding residents’ clutter while filling trucks and donating funds.

Our Attorney Spotlight this month features Judy Sartain, known as the guru of adoption. Find out what makes her the best resource for those wanting to adopt in Georgia.

Learn more about adoption in Georgia by reviewing Judy Sartain’s recently published book, Beginner’s Guide to Georgia Adoption Law. Download your copy here and mark your calendar for May 15 at 10:00 a.m. to participate in our adoption seminar. The author Judy Sartain will review and discuss her book followed by a Q&A session.


Featured Attorney

Judy Sartain

Judy joined SM&P in the summer of 2019, bringing with her 24 years of experience in family law. She possesses a keen ability to cut to the chase regarding issues pertaining to contested divorce and divorce mediations and settlements, modifications, legitimization, and custody disputes.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Community News

Georgia Bill Increases Tax Credit for Foster Care Adoptions

May is National Foster Child/Parent Month. In late March, House Bill 114 was passed benefiting families with children adopted who were previously in foster care with DFCS.

 

 

 

 

Shredding Day Fundraiser

As the pandemic is starting to get more under control and restrictions are being slowly lifted, residents are looking for ways to dispose of the clutter they made or remnants of the clean-ups they accomplished while quarantined. Keep Marietta Beautiful (KMB) set up a shredding initiative recently and invited the public to bring their personal documents to shred.

 

 

 


Upcoming Seminar

Sartain Writes Book for People Considering Adoption

SM&P’s adoption expert, Judy Sartain, has recently released her book, Beginner’s Guide to Georgia Adoption Law, and mark your calendar for May 15 at 10:00 a.m. to participate in our adoption seminar. Please register below and we will send you the virtual event link, and don’t forget to download Judy’s book below to learn more about adoption law in Georgia.