A NOTE FROM STEVE

As summer comes to a close, I’m reminded of just how much of what we do at Ledbetter Cowan Law Group extends beyond the walls of our office.

Over the past several months, our attorneys and team have had the opportunity to connect with families, students, REALTORS®, local organizations and community partners throughout Venice and South Sarasota County. We’ve shared information, supported important causes and continued finding new ways to help our clients better understand the legal decisions that affect their families, homes and futures.

We also welcomed Keanu L. Schnepp, Esq. to our team as our fifth attorney. Keanu has already become an important part of the firm, working with clients and participating in our community education efforts.

And there is much more ahead this fall. From educational programs and community events to our annual Veterans Day Celebration, we look forward to another season of connecting with the community we are fortunate to call home.

Thank you for continuing to place your trust in our team. We appreciate the relationships we have built throughout the years and look forward to seeing many of you this fall.



The South County Division of the Sarasota County Bar Association kicked off its new year with an evening that brought together attorneys, judges and members of the local legal community. The event also marked the beginning of Callie W. Cowan, Esq.’s term as President of the South County Division.



LCLG is proud to celebrate Callie as she steps into this leadership role and begins a year focused on connection, service and strengthening the local legal community.

A graduate of Stetson University College of Law, Keanu earned his Juris Doctor in 2023 and was admitted to The Florida Bar in 2024. He received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida.

Keanu brings both a legal and business perspective to his work, along with a practical, approachable style. He takes the time to listen to clients, clearly explain their options and help them understand not only what they are doing, but why.

Keanu will also begin joining Steven W. Ledbetter, Esq. in client consultations. This collaborative approach will allow Keanu to benefit from Steve’s extensive experience while giving clients the added perspective, continuity and support of more than one attorney. It also reflects LCLG’s commitment to building relationships between clients and the firm as a whole—not only with one individual attorney.

Since joining LCLG, Keanu has become involved in the firm’s community education efforts, including presenting Estate Planning 101 at the Senior Friendship Center on Wills, Trusts, Advance Directives, Florida Homestead and the importance of planning ahead.

We are pleased to have Keanu as part of the LCLG team and look forward to introducing him to even more of our clients and community partners.

A Power of Attorney ends at death. Depending on how the property is owned, a surviving owner, Trustee, or Personal Representative needs to have authority to proceed with the sale.

Florida Homestead laws can also affect who inherits the property and who must sign closing documents.

The key is to identify ownership and authority issues early, before they delay a sale or closing.

If a property owner has died, contact our attorneys to determine what steps may be required before moving forward.

In Florida, “Homestead” can refer to two distinct concepts that homeowners often confuse. One concerns legal protections, ownership, and inheritance. The other concerns property taxes.

New Florida probate laws took effect July 1, 2026. One of the biggest changes increased the estate-value limit for Summary Administration from $75,000 to $150,000.

What Is Summary Administration?

Summary Administration is a simplified form of Probate available to certain estates. An estate may qualify when the value of the property subject to administration—excluding certain exempt property—does not exceed $150,000, or when the person has been deceased for more than two years.

Does Every Estate Under $150,000 Qualify?

Not necessarily. The type and value of the assets, creditor claims, the Will and Florida Homestead can all affect which Probate process applies. The new law may simplify Probate for more families, but each estate must still be reviewed individually.

Have questions about a Florida estate? Schedule a no-charge 5-15 minute complimentary call with Jada W. Terreros, Esq., our Probate Attorney.

Creating a Revocable Living Trust is only part of the process. For the Trust to work as intended, your assets must be properly coordinated with it.

This may include reviewing:

• Property Ownership: Real estate may need to be titled appropriately.

• Bank & Investment Accounts: Some accounts may need to be owned by the Trust or coordinated another way.

• Beneficiary Designations: Life insurance, retirement accounts and other assets should align with the overall Estate Plan.



• Life Changes: A new home, marriage, divorce, death or other major change may affect how the plan works.

The goal is not simply to create a Trust. It is to make sure your assets, beneficiary designations and Estate Planning documents work together.

This time of year, when family members may be visiting, can be an ideal opportunity to schedule Lifetime Peace of Mind Program™ Family Care Conference.

These conversations help your loved ones better understand your Estate Plan, clarify important roles and responsibilities, and ask questions before a need or crisis arises.

Family members may join us in person or by Zoom, making it easier to include everyone. Contact me when your family is ready, and I’ll help coordinate the meeting.

We hope you and your family have an enjoyable holiday season!

— Miranda Ledbetter
LPMP Client Coordinator

This summer, Ledbetter Cowan Law Group joined Golden Girls Solutions, Venice Estate Sales, Betty Estates + Transitions, and Secure Aging for the Care Crew Cornhole Classic—a fun-filled Happy Hour bringing together local professionals dedicated to serving seniors and families.

Each organization offers valuable services during life's transitions. Golden Girls Solutions helps families navigate senior living options, while Venice Estate Sales specializes in estate sales, liquidations, and downsizing. Betty Estates + Transitions provides real estate and relocation guidance for seniors, and Secure Aging assists with financial management, benefits navigation, and senior advocacy.

The event brought our teams together for friendly competition, great conversation, and an opportunity to strengthen relationships that help us better serve individuals and families throughout our community.

Ledbetter Cowan Law Group is proud to once again sponsor the 2026 Sun Fiesta, presented by the Women’s Sertoma Club of Venice.

Join us October 16–18 at Centennial Park for live music, food, vendors, family activities and community fun. While you’re there, stop by the LCLG selfie station, strike a pose and capture a fun Sun Fiesta memory with family and friends!

Our annual Veterans Day Celebration brings clients, neighbors, veterans and families together for an afternoon of gratitude, connection and community fun.

This Thanksgiving season, Ledbetter Cowan Law Group is proud to support The Twig’s 8th Annual Turkey Trot 5K as an Orange Leaf Sponsor.

This family-friendly event benefits The Twig’s mission of providing essential resources and support to children in foster care. Several LCLG employees and their family members will be participating, enjoying a morning of exercise, community connection, and family fun while supporting a wonderful cause.

Join us Saturday, November 21, from 8–11 AM at Legacy Trail Park in Venice as we come together to make a difference for local children and families.

We hope to see you at the starting line!

Dancing Under the Stars

LCLG was proud to sponsor the Rotary Futures Annual Fundraiser supporting Venice High School students.

Attending were Callie Cowan and Nate Cowan, Steven Ledbetter and Lissa Ledbetter, Andy Leisenring and Melissa Leisenring, and James Clinch and Casey Clinch.