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A Season of Growth, Community, & Celebration
The last few months have been full of energy and milestones for our firm and our community. From the supporting Rotary Futures, underwriting the photo booth at the Taste of the Twig fundraiser, to sponsoring not one, but two golf tournaments—the YMCA Charity Classic and the Rotary Club of Wellen Park’s Charity Golf Outing—we’re honored to give back in ways that make a real difference.
We’ve also celebrated an exciting milestone right here at our office. In July, we expanded our footprint by purchasing another office unit at 227 Pensacola Road— adding to our existing spaces at 221 and 229. This addition gives us even more room to grow, including an extra conference room and private offices. Steve has already moved into a new office space, and the expanded space allows us to better serve our clients, support our Lifetime Peace of Mind™ Program, and create a welcoming hub for our members.
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Our family life is just as lively—this December you’ll find almost all of the Cowan crew on stage at the Venice Theatre in A Christmas Carol. Patrick, Grace, David, and I each have a role, and we are excited to share this experience together. This weekend, my husband Nate and I are especially excited to celebrate Venice High School’s Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame. Nate has been helping coordinate the many moving parts of this special celebration, and we’re proud to be sponsoring the Hall of Fame Tailgate—bringing together generations of hometown pride.
🌎 If someone you know is looking for peace of mind with their legal planning, we’d be honored to help.
| | | GUIDING FAMILIES WITH INTEGRITY &
EMPOWERING THEM TO PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE | | Steven W. Ledbetter, Esq. • Callie W. Cowan, Esq. • Jada W. Terreros, Esq. • Oksana Melnichenko, Esq. | | | |
What Is a Lady Bird Deed?
A Lady Bird Deed—sometimes called an Enhanced Life Estate Deed—is a special type of Deed that allows you to keep full control of your property during your lifetime, while automatically transferring it to your chosen beneficiary when you pass away.
Unlike a traditional Life Estate Deed, a Lady Bird Deed lets you sell, mortgage, or change your beneficiaries without needing anyone’s permission. Best of all, it avoids Probate—saving your loved ones time, money, and stress.
This simple tool isn’t right for everyone, but for many Florida homeowners, it can be a powerful part of an Estate Plan.
👉 For More Information on Lady Bird Deeds Click the Button and Schedule a Call with one of our four Attorneys.
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Investing in the Next Generation
Ledbetter Cowan Law Group is proud to underwrite Adulting 101, a new program equipping high school seniors with practical tools for life after graduation. From Advance Directives to financial smarts, this workshop series helps students step confidently into adulthood.
Steve recently spoke to seniors and their families at the Rotary Futures Fall Presentation—an award-winning college resource center at Venice High School that provides guidance on scholarships, financial aid, and career planning—introducing the program and sharing how legal planning empowers young adults.
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We’re excited to support this initiative & grateful for the opportunity to guide the next generation toward independence & peace of mind.
👉 Know a family with a high school senior? Tell them about Adulting101Workshop.com
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What Happens to a Home Without a Will or Trust?
In Florida, when someone passes away without proper Estate Planning, their home may not automatically transfer to family. A will doesn’t avoid probate—it’s actually used during probate to guide the court.
If the home is jointly owned with rights of survivorship (like between spouses), it passes directly to the surviving owner and skips Probate. But if it isn’t, the property must go through probate, which can be costly, time-consuming, and sometimes lead to disputes.
Having a Trust or other planning tools in place ensures your home transfers smoothly and according to your wishes.
🌎 If you know someone facing probate, or someone who wants to spare their family the stress, we’re here to help.
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Attorney vs. Title Company: Know the Difference Before You Close
When buying or selling a home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who will handle your closing. In Florida, many closings are managed by Title Companies—but it’s important to understand who they actually represent. Title Companies serve the title underwriter, not you. Their role is limited to issuing the Title Policy and managing paperwork.
By choosing an attorney as your closing agent, you gain much more than a smooth transaction. An attorney provides legal guidance, protection, and advocacy throughout the process. From reviewing contracts, identifying red flags, and resolving Title defects, to advising on unique issues such as estate sales, Trusts, or business ownership transfers, an attorney is there to represent your best interests.
Whether you’re working with a realtor or selling your home For Sale By Owner, remember—you have the right to choose. Selecting an attorney ensures your deal is guided and protected every step of the way, giving you peace of mind when it matters most.
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Celebrating Our Recent Closings
We’re honored to guide families and agents through the closing process
—turning contracts into keys and dreams into reality.
Here’s a look at some of the transactions we’ve proudly helped bring across the finish line!
| | Pictured from right to left, Homebuyers Peter, Faith, & their Realtor Crystal Cosby with Premier Sotheby’s. | | New Home Buyers Damian & David with their agent’s Josh & Sherry Marti with Coldwell Banker. | | We’re especially honored to celebrate this milestone with Andre & Jessica, daughter of our recently retired teammate Kathy Shanley. | | Angel, Dan & their Realtor, Emerson Robbins with Robbins Associates. | | Seller Sherrill Burns & her Realtor Betsie Shiparski with HOMESMART. | | Seller James & his Realtor Janice Holloway with Coldwell Banker. | | Congratulations to Mary & Justin on the purchase of their new home! It was our pleasure to help guide you through the closing process. | | Big congratulations to Francesca & Greg on the closing of their new home! Thank you for letting us be part of your journey. | | Congratulations to Jerry on the successful sale of his home! Another Smooth Closing
―Signed, Sealed & Sold! | | Proud to Support What Matters Most | | |
Venice YMCA
Charity Golf Classic
On September 12, Steve Ledbetter joined Mark Floryjanski, Bruce Stubbs, and Scott Walsh at the beautiful Plantation Golf & Country Club for the Venice YMCA Charity Golf Classic.
This event brings our community together to raise vital funds for YMCA programs. We’re proud to sponsor & support causes that build strong families in Venice.
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Venice High School's Girls Volleyball Team
This season, we’re proud to support the Venice High School Girls Volleyball team by sponsoring a banner in their gym.
As the athletes compete with dedication and teamwork, we’re honored to cheer them on & invest in the next generation of leaders. Supporting VHS athletics is one more way we celebrate the traditions & spirit of our community.
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Rotary Club's Charity Golf Tournament
On September 6, Team LCLG—Steve Ledbetter, Bob Massanova, Dane Desantis, and Jeremy Myers—hit the course for the Rotary Club at Wellen Park’s Charity Golf Outing.
The day was filled with camaraderie & friendly competition. We were proud to sponsor a hole and provide every player with a goodie bag.
| | We’re honored to be part of this milestone event and to continue supporting the school and community that mean so much to our team. | | |
Celebrating Venice High School’s Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame
Next Friday, Venice High School kicks off its first-ever Hall of Fame Celebration Weekend, honoring alumni and traditions that make our community proud. Ledbetter Cowan Law Group is excited to sponsor the Friday Night Football Tailgate, bringing families, friends, and fans together to launch the festivities in true Indian spirit.
To learn more, visit veniceindiansathletics.com/hall-of-fame
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A Taste of The Twig: Community, Connection & Care
Earlier this month, we were honored to underwrite the Photo Booth at A Taste of The Twig—an annual fundraiser that combines great food, fun, and fellowship to support an incredible mission.
The Twig is a local nonprofit dedicated to serving children in foster care by providing clothing, shoes, and essentials in a boutique shopping experience that restores dignity and hope. At A Taste of The Twig, guests sampled signature bites from local restaurants and enjoyed an evening of generosity, raising vital funds to keep The Twig’s mission thriving.
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We are proud to stand alongside this organization and help shine a light on their life-changing work.
To learn more, visit thetwigcares.com.
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Renovation Nears: Final Act at the Venice Theatre
The Venice Theatre’s beloved MainStage, the Jervey Theatre, is rising again after Hurricane Ian’s devastation. Thanks to the generosity of donors and community partners, the theatre has raised more than $20 million of its $25 million goal, bringing the dream of reopening closer to reality.
To follow the progress or support the campaign, visit venicetheatre.org.
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Construction is well underway with upgrades that go beyond repair: expanded backstage space, improved accessibility with lifts and safer stairs, brand-new seating, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound. These enhancements will ensure the Jervey Theatre is stronger, safer, and ready to welcome audiences for decades to come.
Performances continue in the Raymond Center and Pinkerton Theatre while the rebuild progresses. The Jervey Theatre is projected to reopen in mid-2026, restoring that special magic of sitting shoulder-to-shoulder as the lights dim and the curtain rises.
Ledbetter Cowan Law Group’s Managing Partner, Steven W. Ledbetter, Esq., serves on the Venice Theatre Board of Directors, and our firm is proud to support the theatre’s return.
| | A throwback to our roots—our building in the 70’s, captured in true retro style. | | 🎂 Happy Birthday, Miranda & Leisha! This month we celebrated two of our team members—Miranda Ledbetter, our joyful Lifetime Peace of Mind Program™ Client Care Coordinator, & Leisha Fonteccio, a Probate Paralegal, whose positivity brightens every day at the office. We’re grateful for the energy, care, & dedication they bring to our clients and our team. | | 🎉 Celebrating Our Workaversaries! This month we’re thrilled to recognize four incredible team members who make LCLG such a special place. Natalie Colston, Miranda Ledbetter, & Sandy Winkler are each celebrating 4 years with us, & Leisha Fonteccio marks her 2-year milestone. Their dedication, talent, and care for our clients and community are at the heart of everything we do. | | Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this does not establish an attorney-client relationship. For legal assistance, please contact Ledbetter Cowan Law Group directly. | | | | |
