July 2022
A Message from...
Steve W. Ledbetter, Esq.
Surviving Spouse
Rights in Florida Probate

With short deadlines in probate, it is important to effectively secure the rights of a surviving spouse within the timelines provided by statute to ensure the surviving spouse is protected and receives all he or she is entitled to under Florida law. The failure to meet one of the probate deadlines can cause a surviving spouse to lose one or more spousal entitlements.

Surviving Statutory Spouse Rights in Florida include:
  • All or one-half of the estate if there is no will
  • All or one-half of the estate if the will predates the marriage
  • Homestead rights in the marital residence
  • An elective share equal to 30% of probate and non-probate assets
  • Family Allowance
  • Exempt Property

We can create a comprehensive plan to ensure your wishes are carried out.
OUR TEAM IS GROWING!
Lissa MacDonald
Real Estate Paralegal
Lissa was born and raised in Southern California. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and obtained her law degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. Lissa practiced criminal law for the County of San Diego. She worked with the indigent as a Deputy Public Defender for two years and as a Deputy District Attorney for nearly 10 years prosecuting Identity Theft, Securities Fraud, Domestic Violence, and general felony crimes. 

In 2016, Lissa and her husband decided to move back to her husband’s hometown of Venice, where he took over the family business, Horse and Chaise Rentals and Property Management, Inc. Once here, Lissa began volunteering with Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs), Venice Vikings Pop Warner Cheer Program, SERTOMA Club of Venice, the City of Venice’s Architectural Review Board, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.

Lissa brings her skills and background along with her dedication and commitment to our Real Estate & Title Insurance department. She plans to sit for the FL Bar Exam next year.
Valerie Cottrell
Director of Marketing
Valerie was born and raised right here in Venice, FL. She graduated from Edison State College with a degree in Business Management and holds certifications in Marketing and Google AdWords. She brings to Ledbetter Law Group a well-rounded background with over 20 years of experience in Marketing Management.

Valerie's career began as the Communications Director at Plantation Golf & Country Club.
In 2015, she joined a Personal Injury Law Firm in Port Charlotte as their Marketing Coordinator/Administrator. In 2019, she flipped hats and joined a multi-state healthcare corporation based in Fort Myers as the Marketing Manager. For three years, Valerie directed a team responsible for the onboarding of all the healthcare providers.

Valerie is beyond excited to come back to the Venice Community as the Director of Marketing at Ledbetter Law Group.
HAPPY WORKIVERSARY!
Brielle Neptune
Probate & Trust Paralegal
We appreciate all
that you both do!
Mary Lynne Jewell
Probate & Trust Paralegal
REAL ESTATE
Thank you for trusting our Real Estate Team here at Ledbetter Law Group.
Congratulations to BOTH the buyers and to the sellers.
We know it can feel like a lot of moving pieces; therefore, to provide the best customer service and help you feel comfortable with “What’s next?”, we at Ledbetter Law Group have created multiple written and video guides to explain and illustrate The 5 Steps For Your Great Closing™.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that we offer online scheduling?

We offer a complimentary 15 minute telephone call with either Steve Ledbetter, Esq. or Callie Cowan, Esq., to learn how we can best assist you.
Look for the "blue button" link at the bottom right of our webpage or call our office at 941.256.3965
Experience the ultimate satisfaction and peace of mind. Let the team at Ledbetter Law Group guide you and your loved ones in creating a plan that accomplishes your goals.

Please contact our office at 941.256.3965 to schedule a consultation.