The Ledbetter Ledger - June 2024

Understanding Probate:

The Impact of Divorce on Ex-Spousal Rights

Divorce is a significant life event with implications for various legal matters, including probate, the process of administering a deceased person's estate. In probate, the rights of ex-spouses are often limited, as they are typically treated as if they predeceased the decedent. The rights of an ex-spouse to assets generally depend on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the divorce, any subsequent agreements or court orders, and the applicable laws of the jurisdiction. Here are some key considerations regarding an ex-spouse's rights to probate assets:

Updated Estate Planning Documents: After a divorce, it is essential to update estate planning documents such as wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations. In many jurisdictions, divorce automatically revokes any provisions in a will that benefit the ex-spouse. Property Settlements and Court Orders: If there were court orders or agreements made during the divorce proceedings regarding the division of assets or property settlements, these could impact an ex-spouse's rights to certain assets. Such settlements may outline specific property rights or financial obligations that survive the divorce and are enforceable against the deceased's estate. Claims Against the Estate: Depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the divorce, an ex-spouse may have certain claims against the deceased's estate. These could include unpaid alimony or spousal support, unpaid property settlement amounts, or other financial obligations agreed upon during the divorce.

In summary, an ex-spouse typically does not have rights to probate assets unless there are specific agreements or court orders that were issued during the divorce proceedings which provide rights to certain assets. It is crucial for individuals to review and update their estate plans after a divorce to ensure that their wishes are accurately reflected and to minimize potential conflicts during the probate process.

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-WELCOME TO THE TEAM-

Cierra Mesquita

Administrative Assistant

Cierra has a strong background in non-profits, spanning six impactful years specifically in administration. Cierra brings a wealth of experience to every project she undertakes. A true Floridian through and through, with deep roots spanning generations in the Sunshine State, when not working, you'll most likely find her unwinding amidst the ocean breeze on a Caribbean cruise with her husband, or hanging out with her many nieces and nephews.

-HAPPY WORKAVERSARY-

Janel Mahoney

Legal Assistant

Valerie Cottrell

HR & Marketing Director

-OUT IN THE COMMUNITY-

BINGO!!!

We had a blast at the Venice Area Board of Realtors' BINGO! Huge shoutout to the amazing team at the Venice Area Board of Realtors "VABR" for organizing such a fantastic event!

Our LLG team had a lot of fun, winning a few rounds and sharing lots of laughter.

Can't wait to attend more events and continue supporting the VABR!

Venice Area Chamber

of Commerce Annual

Golf Tournament

We looked sharp in our shirts featuring President Dane DeSantis's face – a real "hole in one" for fashion! Steven W. Ledbetter, Esq., Alex Mosely, David Joyner, and Andy Stultz showed off their golf skills while rocking these eye-catching shirts.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable event.

We truly appreciated the opportunity to strengthen our community bonds through

golf and camaraderie!

Venice High School

Golf Booster Event

We had a fantastic day on the golf course sponsoring the VHS Girls Golf Booster event with Steven W. Ledbetter, Esq., Ken Sadler, Michael Johnson, and Rick Lovell! It was an honor to have co-sponsored with Michael Johnson and supported such a wonderful cause, empowering young athletes.

3rd Constanza Medical Mission Charity Golf Event

We were proud to sponsor the 3rd Constanza Medical Mission Charity Golf Scramble! A special shoutout to our fantastic foursome—Steven W. Ledbetter, Esq., Mitch Roberts, Jim Hayward, and Jim Gregory—who represented us on the green. Their participation and our sponsorship helped support the incredible work of Constanza Medical Mission, providing vital medical care to those in need.

Venice Area Estate Planning Council Meeting

Our esteemed attorneys—Steven W. Ledbetter, Callie W. Cowan, Carrie S. Smith, and Jada W. Terreros—had the pleasure of joining the Venice Area Estate Planning Council Meeting, graciously hosted at the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce. A special thank you to Attorney Pat Reilly for sharing invaluable insights on 'Probate & Trust Disputes', which enriched their understanding of these complex legal matters.

-REAL ESTATE-

Florida’s Infamous Hurricane Season has arrived!!

Hurricane Season in Southwest Florida began on June 1^st and ends November 30^th. While the local surfers are very excited about catching waves during Hurricane Season, most Floridians are not as excited. Please see below for information to share with your friends, family and clients and stay safe out there!

Do you know the difference between Watches and Warnings?

Here is some important links to make sure you are prepared!

Visit the City of Venice, Sarasota, Charlotte and Manatee County Hurricane Guides:

(City of Venice) (Sarasota County) (Charlotte County) (Manatee County)

Prepare your emergency kit by visiting: (Disaster Supply Checklist)
When Waves Swell, are you prepared? Watch these (Safety Tips)
Watch the National Hurricane Center's (Cone of Uncertainty)
Be ready for the next Hurricane or Flood: (Hurricane) (Flood)
Plan and prepare at: (FloridaDisaster.org)
Track storms in real time with (NOAA)
For evacuation information visit: (Florida Emergency Management)

Thank you for choosing Ledbetter Law Group for your Real Estate Closings. Congratulations to both the Buyers and Sellers, as well as their trusted Real Estate Agents!

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?”, Ledbetter Law Group has created written and video guides to explain and illustrate The 5 Steps For Your Great Closing™.

Click Here to Email us to Learn More!

-LEDBETTER WORKSHOPS-

BAGELS & BEQUESTS

"Estate Planning 101 & 201"

Presented by Callie W. Cowan, Esq. & Steven W. Ledbetter, Esq.

with Guest speaker Ken Sadler from Summerhill Asset Management

LUNCH & LEARN

"Title Insurance Myths"

presented by Ted M. Berg, Esq., Assistant Vice President &

Agency Account Manager for Old Republic National Title Insurance Company

FLORIDA HOME WORKSHOP

"Ask the Experts"

presented by Steven W. Ledbetter, Esq. from Ledbetter Law Group, Angie Vance from Gulfside Mortgage Services, and Matt Britton from Roberts Insurance Group.

Workshop with Accardi & Associates

"Probate Insights for Realtors"

Presented by Steven W. Ledbetter, Esq.

LUNCH & LEARN - CE Course

"Contract, Commitment & Closing Basics"

Presented by Cathi Schmidt, Assistant Vice President

at Old Republic National Title Insurance Company

Did you know that Ledbetter Law Group offers a range of captivating workshops centered on Estate Planning, Probate & Real Estate, led by our seasoned Attorneys? If you're interested in inviting one of our Attorneys to speak at your community or private event, please contact our Director of Marketing, Valerie Cottrell, at Marketing@LedbetterLawFL.com. We're passionate about sharing knowledge, and we'll handle all the arrangements for a delightful learning experience over lunch or breakfast!

-BLOG ALERT-

Have you had a chance to explore the blogs on our website? Our Attorneys have dedicated extra time to provide you with valuable content, alongside their legal responsibilities. Take a moment to dive in and discover what they have to offer – it's definitely worth your time!

Click Here to Read Blogs

-Ledbetter's Literary Picks: Articles Worth Exploring-

The Origins of Estate Planning in Venice, Florida

Early Beginnings: The 1920s Boom

Estate planning in Venice, Florida, has its roots in the 1920s during the Florida land boom. Venice, designed by renowned city planner John Nolen, attracted many retirees due to its coastal charm and well-planned infrastructure. As the population grew, the need for structured estate planning became apparent. Local attorneys assisted newcomers in drafting basic wills and property deeds, ensuring smooth asset transfers upon death.

Post-War Era: Growth and Complexity

The post-World War II era marked a significant turning point for Venice. The city experienced substantial growth, driven by the booming economy and the construction of planned communities like Venice Gardens. This growth brought more affluent residents, necessitating advanced estate planning. Attorneys began specializing in this area, incorporating tools like trusts to manage the increasing complexity of financial assets and navigate federal estate taxes.

Planned Communities and Wealth Management

The rise of planned communities such as Jacaranda West and Plantation Golf & Country Club further transformed Venice. These developments attracted wealthier demographics with significant estates to manage. The demand for comprehensive estate planning services soared, leading to the establishment of specialized firms. These firms offered living trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives, focusing on not just transferring wealth, but also managing and protecting assets throughout life.

Modern Developments: Technology and Personalization

In recent decades, Venice's estate planning landscape has evolved with technological advancements and personalized solutions. The digital age introduced new challenges, such as managing digital assets and online financial accounts. Local firms have adopted software and online platforms to streamline the estate planning process, making it more accessible and efficient. Personalized estate planning solutions are now tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of individuals and families.

The evolution of estate planning in Venice, Florida, mirrors the city's growth and the increasing complexity of managing wealth. From its informal beginnings in the 1920s to today's sophisticated practices, effective estate planning, including the strategic use of wills and trusts, is crucial for ensuring the smooth transfer and management of assets. As Venice continues to attract new residents with its unique blend of coastal beauty and planned community living, the importance of thoughtful estate planning endures, safeguarding the financial future of individuals and families.

-DID YOU KNOW-

Did you know that we offer online scheduling?

We offer a complimentary 15 minute telephone call with Steven W. Ledbetter, Esq., Callie W. Cowan, Esq., Carolyn S. Smith, Esq. or Jada W. Terreros, Esq. to learn how we can best assist you.

Look for the "blue button" link at the bottom right of our webpage, Click button below or call our office at 941.256.3965

Discover unparalleled "Peace of Mind" and satisfaction with Ledbetter Law Group. Our dedicated team is here to guide you and your loved ones through creating a plan that aligns with your goals.

Explore the five ways we can assist you and reach out to our office at 941.256.3965 to schedule a consultation.

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