Marnie’s passion comes from helping families and their loved ones navigate the areas of estate planning and elder law. She bases her practice on a philosophy that listening to and learning from her clients leads to thoughtful solutions to unique situations.
Marnie attended undergraduate and law school at the University of Florida, where she graduated Cum Laude in 2007. Upon graduation Marnie moved to Valdosta with her husband, Byron, and began working with her mentor, John Bennett. In 2013 Marnie became a partner of the firm which became known as Bennett Watson Trust Estate & Elder Law. Marnie continues to dedicate her professional life to creating estate plans that work and empowering her clients throughout their decision-making process. She firmly believes that in addition to planning for an estate at death, an effective plan must address the challenges of aging and disability.
Marnie is a member of the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys where she serves as an advisory board member, as well as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Academy of Special Needs Planners, Valdosta Chapter of the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, and is past President of the Valdosta Bar Association.
Marnie and Byron have two sons and a golden retriever named Jake. They are members of Valdosta First United Methodist Church. Marnie enjoys volunteering for Hospice of South Georgia and Easter Seals Southern Georgia.

Tricia Gonzalez joined Marnie’s team in 2015. As Financial Services Manager, Tricia works with financial institutions to ensure client assets properly align with each plan. Tricia implements our client funding process, manages our workflow and ensures client reports and documentation are prepared timely and accurately. Tricia’s strong work ethic and gentle spirit are qualities uniquely designed to handle sensitive matters we encounter.

Tricia is a native of the beautiful dual island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. At an early age, she moved with her family to New York where she called home until moving to the Atlanta suburb of Lawrenceville when she was 16 years old. Tricia and her husband, Luis, have two children and enjoy spending time as a family. They share a love for their sweet black and white kitty cat, Vaca, (Spanish for "cow") whose name comes from her color pattern resembling a dairy cow.

Jordyn M. Finlayson is the smiling face most people meet first when introduced to our firm. Jordyn, a Tifton, Georgia native and graduate of Shorter University, where she met her husband, Timothy. As Client Relations Manager Jordyn facilitates communication between our firm, our clients and our community. She provides guidance and assistance as clients proceed through our estate planning Empowered Estate Plan Process and Legacy Protection Program.

Meredith joined our team in 2020 while attending Valdosta State University, where she continues to work hard at school, in our community and for our law firm. Meredith is a native of Lakeland, Georgia, and steps into whatever need presents itself when she walks through the office doors.