April Snapshots 📸: Big News Inside!

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IN THIS ISSUE

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REFLECTIONS, INSIGHTS

& THE LAW

By Steven W. Ledbetter, Esq.

PROBATE

Why Americans Leave Their Families in Legal Limbo

ESTATE PLANNING

What Assets Can Be

Placed in a Trust?

REAL ESTATE LAW

Golf Tournament for Scholarships

BINGO at the Board

Lunch & Learns

New Condo Loan Rules

Recent Closing

Home Buyers Workshop

ON THE CALENDAR

Launch of ADULTING101

LCLG ALLIANCE

Earth Day Alliance Buckets

COLLEAGUE CORNER

Employee Spotlight

Work Anniversaries

A Magical Night at Alice in Wonderland

VENICE REVEALED

Restoring the Venice Theatre

Pickleball is Booming in Venice

Venice May Events

Venice Jetty & Intracoastal Waterway

As "season" winds down, many of our snowbird clients are finalizing or updating their estate planning documents before heading back north. We wish you safe travels, a wonderful summer enjoying family, friends, and the beauty of your northern homes — and we look forward to welcoming you back next season!

We understand that last fall’s storms have left many of you concerned. While we hope for a quiet hurricane season this year, it’s always wise to prepare. Before you leave, we encourage you to:

Secure or store outdoor furniture and décor
Ensure hurricane shutters are functional
Turn off the main water supply or install leak detection systems
Remove perishables and unplug appliances
Provide updated emergency contact information to your HOA or property manager

Reflecting on this spring, we were thrilled to gather with our Lifetime Peace of Mind Program® members at our Client Appreciation Luncheon. We hope everyone had a wonderful time — your feedback is appreciated as we begin planning for next year's event! Email your feedback to LPMP@LedbetterLawFL.com.

We’re also excited to announce that Oksana Melnichenko, Esq. has joined the firm and is actively taking on clients within the practice area of Estate Planning (Wills, Trusts, DPOA, Health Care Advance Directives, etc.). It's a delight to have her as a part of our team, and we’re thrilled with the insight, energy, & care she brings to our clients.

From the entire team at Ledbetter Cowan Law Group, we wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe spring in beautiful Venice, Florida. Thank you for continuing to place your trust in us — we are grateful for you!

CLICK HERE TO MEET OUR TEAM

THE HIDDEN CRISIS:

Why Americans Leave Their Families in Legal Limbo

WHAT IS PROBATE?

Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will and distributing a person’s assets after death. Without careful planning, it can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining for loved ones.

CAN PROBATE BE AVOIDED?

In many cases, yes—with the right planning. Tools like trusts, beneficiary designations, and special deeds can help minimize or avoid probate. But no two families are alike, and a one-size-fits-all approach can lead to costly mistakes. That’s why expert legal guidance is essential.

WHY PLAN AHEAD?

Probate can take months—or even years—tying up assets when families need them most.
Costs and court fees can quickly erode the value of an estate.
Probate records are public, meaning your family's affairs become part of the public record.
Without a clear plan, family disputes are more likely to arise.

The good news? With the right Estate Plan, you can help your loved ones avoid unnecessary stress, delays, and expenses. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

* PlannedGiving.com, as of 2025: https://qrco.de/bfwTS9

PROBATE INFORMATION & CONTACT PAGE

WHAT ASSETS CAN BE

PLACED INTO A TRUST?

When you create a Trust with Ledbetter Cowan Law Group, one of the most important steps we'll guide you through is funding it — meaning transferring ownership of your assets into the Trust.

We’ll help ensure your Trust is properly funded so it can manage and distribute your assets according to your wishes, avoid probate, and provide a smoother transition for your loved ones.

Many types of assets can be placed into a Trust, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, business interests, personal property, and life insurance proceeds. Certain retirement accounts and vehicles may also be coordinated with your Trust depending on your goals. Each type of asset requires careful handling to make sure it is legally protected and properly tied to your overall estate plan.

Funding a Trust can be deceptively complex. Each asset type has its own set of rules, procedures, and tax considerations. That’s why working with an experienced estate planning attorney is crucial. We help you navigate the nuances — from preparing the right documents to coordinating with your financial institutions — ensuring that everything is properly titled and legally compliant. Without professional guidance, it’s easy to overlook critical details that could leave assets exposed to probate, delays, taxes, or other unintended consequences.

Our goal is to make sure your Trust truly protects you and your loved ones — now and for generations to come.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON TRUSTS

SUPPORTING THE VENICE AREA BOARD OF REALTORS

Ledbetter Cowan Law Group was proud to sponsor the Venice Area Board of Realtors® Golf Tournament for Scholarships, helping support the educational goals of local students. Events like these strengthen our community by investing in the next generation, and we’re honored to be part of such an important cause. Thank you to everyone who participated and made the day a success!

BINGO AT THE BOARD - THURSDAY, JUNE 19TH

The LCLG "rowdy bunch" is back for another round of Bingo at the Board! Join us for a night of laughs, prizes, and a little friendly competition. Whether you’re a Bingo pro or a first-timer, all are welcome — we’d love to see you there!

HOW TO GET TICKETS:

Tickets MUST be purchased in advance. To purchase go to the Venice Area Board of Realtors Office at 680 Substation Rd, Venice, FL 34285. Cost is $25, cash or check.

FULL HOUSE AT OUR APRIL LUNCH & LEARN

At our Lunch & Learn on the new 2025 Condo Loan Regulations at the Venice Area Board of Realtors®, we had a fantastic turnout and great engagement from the agents. A big thank you to Jon Stoneburner from MortgageRight for helping us present this important information!

MAY LUNCH & LEARN - THE PITFALLS OF CLOSINGS

Next up is our May Lunch & Learn on The Pitfalls of Closings. We’ll cover common closing challenges and how to prevent or resolve them, including liens, judgments, and ownership disputes; last-minute loan fallout; low appraisals and repair surprises; cybersecurity and wire fraud risks; move-out issues; and missing or incorrect paperwork.

We’ll also walk through Net Sheets and Closing Cost Prep to help agents set better expectations for their clients and keep transactions on track. It’s a must-attend for anyone who wants smoother, more successful closings!

WEDNESDAY MAY 21ST | 12 - 1 PM | VENICE BOARD OF REALTORS | 680 SUBSTANTION RD IN VENICE

AGENTS! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR MAY'S LUNCH & LEARN

NEW 2025 CONDO RULES

What Buyers & Sellers Should Know

If you're buying or selling a condominium in Florida, new loan regulations could impact your transaction. These changes aim to improve safety and transparency—but they also mean stricter lending requirements for condo buildings.

To qualify for conventional financing, condos must now meet updated structural and financial standards, including:

Milestone Inspections for buildings 30+ years old (25 years if near the coast)
A current Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS)
Adequate reserve funding with no deferred maintenance or critical repairs

If a building doesn’t meet these criteria, it may become non-warrantable, making financing difficult or more expensive. This can limit buyer options and reduce the pool of qualified buyers for sellers.

What This Means for You:

Buyers should check a building’s inspection and reserve status early. Sellers may want to work with professionals who can help prepare the right disclosures and address potential red flags in advance. Both parties should understand how financing options may affect closing timelines and price negotiations.

At Ledbetter Cowan Law Group, we stay informed on regulatory changes that affect your real estate decisions. Contact us to ensure you're prepared—and protected—through every step of your condo transaction.

HOME BUYERS WORKSHOP: EMPOWERING BUYERS WITH KNOWLEDGE

Callie W. Cowan, Esq. recently led a Home Buyer’s Workshop, guiding attendees through the real estate closing process. Alongside a real estate agent, mortgage broker, and insurance agent, Callie shared tips on protecting investments, understanding title insurance, and navigating contracts.

CLOSING OUT APRIL WITH SMILES AND SUCCESS!

We’re so happy for these wonderful clients on their recent closings! 🎉 It’s always an honor to be part of such an exciting milestone. At Ledbetter Cowan Law Group, our Real Estate Law & Title Insurance team is dedicated to providing smooth, stress-free closings — and we’re grateful for the trust you place in us!

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON OUR REAL ESTATE SERVICES

LAUNCH OF OUR FIRST ADULTING101 WORKSHOP

May brings the launch of our Adulting101 workshops, helping young adults (18+) prepare essential legal documents like Advance Directives.

If you have — or know — a recent high school graduate, or a college-bound student, please keep an eye out for our email invitation and feel free to share it with others who may benefit.

Location: Venice Community Center

Day 1 TUE May 6 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM

Day 2 TUE May 20 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM (Optional)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER FOR THE ADULTING101 WORKSHOP

CELEBRATING EARTH DAY WITH OUR

LEDBETTER COWAN ALLIANCE PARTNERS

This Earth Day, we delivered special Ledbetter Cowan Alliance Buckets to our valued referral partners as a token of appreciation. Each bucket was filled with eco-friendly goodies, spring essentials, and a few fun surprises—including our signature rubber duck—symbolizing the importance of “getting your ducks in a row.” These monthly themed buckets are our way of saying thank you for the trust, referrals, and shared commitment to helping families plan ahead with confidence. Together, we’re protecting legacies—and the planet.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Jada W. Terreros, Esq.

When Jada isn’t helping clients check "estate planning" off their never-ending to-do lists — and bringing them the peace of mind they deserve — she’s chasing thrills, sunshine, and big fish!

Outdoors is her happy place: Whether it’s walking on the beach, boating, fishing

(and beating her husband and dad at it, naturally), biking, or hunting for shark’s teeth, Jada’s most at home under the open sky. If the weather doesn’t cooperate? She’s solving jigsaw puzzles, reading, or planning her next travel adventure — maybe one that doesn’t involve skydiving (yes, she once broke her tailbone mid-air… sorry, Frank! ).

Fun facts: Some of her favorite movies are Gone with the Wind, Shawshank Redemption, and Silence of the Lambs — and if she could have any superpower, it would be teleportation with time travel. (Instant vacations? Yes, please.)

Why she loves working here: "Everyone’s willingness to help one another. Knowing we can count on each other is huge — and it allows us to deliver amazing service to our clients."

We’re so lucky to have Jada on our team — for her bright spirit, fierce loyalty, and for always making sure our clients leave feeling lighter and happier.

A MAGICAL NIGHT AT ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Members of the Ledbetter Cowan Law Group team recently enjoyed a night of whimsy and wonder, attending Alice in Wonderland at the Raymond Center in downtown Venice.

This performance was extra special to us — our very own Miranda Ledbetter, LPMP Client Care Coordinator, shined on stage as the Queen of Hearts! Sharing the stage with her were her two talented children: Emery Ledbetter and Milo Ledbetter, who alternate playing the role of the Dormouse. Adding even more family magic, Grace Cowan, daughter of our Partner Callie W. Cowan, Esq., brought the characters of Tweedle Dee and a Juror to life.

Pictured left to right are: Sandy Winkler, Real Estate Paralegal; Leisha Fontecchio, Probate Paralegal; Kimberly Parker, Probate Team Lead; Miranda Ledbetter, LPMP Client Care Coordinator; Callie W. Cowan, Esq., Partner; Jada W. Terreros, Esq., Associate Attorney; Rebekah Lozano, Real Estate Paralegal; and Audrey Townsend, Director of Marketing.

VENICE THEATRE

REPAIR & RESTORATION

As of April 2025, the Venice Theatre continues its restoration efforts following the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Here's the latest update:

Restoration Progress

The main stage, Jervey Theatre, remains closed due to the severity of the damage. The restoration project is substantial, with an estimated cost of $25 million. To date, approximately $6 million has been spent on repairs, including foundational work and structural reinforcements. Despite setbacks, including denied funding from the Office of Housing and Urban Development and state arts funding vetoes, the theatre has raised about 40% of its fundraising goal.

Current Performances

While the main stage is under renovation, Venice Theatre continues to host performances in alternative venues:

Raymond Center: Serving as the temporary main stage.
Pinkerton Theatre: Hosting smaller productions.

Upcoming shows include My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra, opening on August 9, 2025.

Anticipated Reopening

The theatre aims to reopen the Jervey Theatre during its 76th season in 2026, contingent upon successful fundraising and construction progress.

How to Support

Community support is vital for the theatre's restoration. Here's how you can help:

Donate: Contributions can be made through the Save Venice Theatre Fund.
"Have a Seat" Campaign: With a $7,500 donation, have your name placed on one of the 432 new seats in the Jervey Theatre.
Volunteer: Opportunities are available for those who wish to offer their time and skills.

For more information or to get involved, visit venicetheatre.org

The Venice Theatre's resilience and the community's unwavering support underscore the importance of the arts in bringing people together. As restoration efforts continue, the theatre remains a beacon of hope and creativity in Venice, Florida.

Pickleball got its name from

a dog named Pickles!

In 1965, three dads invented the game on Bainbridge Island to entertain their kids. Their dog, Pickles, loved chasing stray balls — so they jokingly called it "Pickle’s ball," and the name stuck.

PICKLEBALL IS BOOMING IN VENICE

Pickleball continues to surge in popularity across Venice—and exciting new facilities are on the way!

The Pickleball Club is building a 40,000-square-foot, climate-controlled venue at Crestview and Jacaranda Boulevards. It will feature 14 indoor courts, two outdoor courts, a café, pro shop, and a spacious players' lounge.

Meanwhile, Global Sports Institute is converting the old Tervis headquarters into a massive 42,000-square-foot sports complex with 15 indoor pickleball courts, professional-grade flooring, and a nutrition bar.

Venice existing courts at Bypass Park, Woodmere Park, and other Sarasota County locations offer great options for outdoor and indoor play right now.