New Blog Site

The Claiborne & Surmay, P.C. blog has now moved!

From this point forward please access our blog at:

http://www.gababylaw.com/blog/

Adoption Tax Credit Scrutinized by IRS

The IRS appears to be scrutinizing adoption tax credit claims more vigorously this year, perhaps because the credit was refundable for the first time in 2010. Several former clients have called our office to let us know they are being audited, some because of tax credits they applied for more than 5 years ago. CNN Money has an article about the tax credit and the IRS' treatment of it here. The Federal Adoption Tax Credit helps many families afford the high costs of adoption and also motivates families to adopt special needs children, as the entire credit may be claimed for a special needs child even if no costs were involved.

** This post is not meant to constitute tax advice. For advice about the Federal Adoption Tax Credit please talk to a certified public accountant.

Savannah Office Hosts Training Session

In conjunction with Young Lawyers Division and Georgia Legal Services Program, on May 18, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. Claiborne & Surmay, P.C. will host a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) training session at its Savannah office, located at 410 E. Bay Street. Food and beverage will be provided.

A TPO is an invaluable tool to help the victims of domestic abuse get the protection they need. Cases are initiated by Safe Shelter, and volunteer attorneys handle the hearing where the victim requests a 12 month protective order. Each case takes about 2 to 5 hours in total, and it’s a rewarding way to help a victim of domestic abuse.

Please contact Will Claiborne with any questions. (912) 236-9559.

Mother's Day / Mothers' Day Post

from The New Yorker magazine:

Free Mother's Day Storytelling Event - May 8

Families looking to celebrate Mother's Day now have a new, free entertainment option: an afternoon of storytelling for all ages in Decatur's historic square.

TIME: 3 PM - 5 PM

WHO: Storytellers Ernestine Brown, Janice Butt, LaDoris Bias-Davis and Tommy Tye

WHERE: Decatur, GA historic square

Co-hosted by Southern Order of Storytellers and Sure Foot Adventures.

For more information click here or contact Sure Foot Adventures President Jonah McDonald
by email or by phone at 404-373-8036.

Cute Kid Friday: 3 Brothers

Nolan, Kelly and Becker - what a cute crew!

Mrs. Butterworth's Breakfast Ball - March 27 in Piedmont Park

WHAT: Family Breakfast Ball at Piedmont Park - families get a sneak peek of Mrs. Butterworth's limited edition spring bottles and downloadable wardrobe collection as well as a free pancake and waffle breakfast.

WHEN: Sunday, March 27, 2011 - 9:30 AM to noon

WHERE: Piedmont Park's Magnolia Hall Lawn - 400 Park Dr. NE Atlanta, GA 30306

COST: FREE!