Ross Cameron Hart

I was born and grew up in the area - my family has served the legal needs of the area since 1892, over 120 years. My goal is to explain the legal process in plain English and to avoid the 'technical lawyer words' which only confuse many people. The primary focus of my firm is now "Elder Law" which broadly includes estate planning, Nursing Home admissions and Medicaid applications and adult guardianship. After a family member dies, we advise and assist in the estate administration process. In short, we help families plan and deal with aging and death and navigating the legal system.

University of Virginia School of Law

J.D. (1976)

1973 - 1976

Monmouth College

B.A. (1973) | Business Adm

1969 - 1973

Owner/President

Hart & Hart Attorneys Ltd

1976 - Current

Family firm begun by my grandfather and his brother (Hon. John L. Hart) in 1892

SuperLawyer

SuperLawyers

2019

Recognition of top 5% of lawyers in field of law

Chapter Member of Year

Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA)

2018

VAELA is a group of around 200 lawyers focusing on Elder Law; award recognizes member of chapter who contributes time, expertise, etc. for the chapter and other members.

Pro-bono Award, 2008 (23rd Circuit)

Virginia State Bar

2008

Award for pro-bono (low income clients)

NAELA

MEMBER

2008 - Current

Virginia Academy Elder Law Attorneys

Director

2008 - Current

Salem/Roanoke County Bar Ass'n

Member

2004 - Current

Virginia State Bar

Member

1976 - Current

Virginia

Since 1976

4th Circuit

Since 1981

Elder Law

Probate

Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests

Estate Planning

Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills

Real Estate Law

Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Water Law

Business Law

Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes

Q. Family member in Alexandria VA. Not sure if he will survive. Don't know if has a will. need advice

21 May 2021

A: I am sorry for your situation. I always recommend consulting an attorney for an estate - depending on the estate we can save the family money and keep them from making mistakes in handling the estate. Consult a probate lawyer. There's usually no hurry when someone passes away - handling the legal stuff can wait a week or two after death. Gather as much information as possible as to real estate and financial accounts (and whether someone is named as a beneficiary or co-owner of an account), investment accounts, and any significant personal property. Also get an idea of what they owe - particularly if it is a mortgage on the real estate or loan on a car. If there's a will, that's needed of course (But DO NOT make any marks or writing on the will as that could void it)

Q. If a co-signer dies, what happens to the loan?

10 April 2021

A: The loan is still in force - the other individual will still be responsible for payment. It is also possible that the estate of the person who died will have to pay it - and in turn could require the other borrower to repay the estate. Every case like this is different and a lawyer should be consulted so they can review and advise you on the specific facts of the case.

Q. If you have a deed that is joint tenants with the right of survivorship can a will void that?

13 March 2021

A: For Virginia property, no. The only way a joint tenant with survivorship can 'break' the deed is to convey their share of the property to a third person.