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

First listed as SuperLawyer in 2019 and annually since. 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

• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  We charge a modest consultation fee which is less than half of the normal hourly rate for professional services. Our consultation usually takes an hour and frequently provides advice and information that the individual can use immediately. The fee for continued services is discussed at the consultation.

Elder Law

Probate

Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests

Estate Planning

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

Q. Did the recent updates to the VA Landlord and Tenant Act increase time limits for security deposit returns?

August 17, 2023

A: Security Deposits are governed by 55.1-1226 of the Code of Virginia - you can find it at this link:

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title55.1/chapter12/section55.1-1226/

It specifies 45 days from the date defined in the law (earlier timelines were a bit shorter) so it may be that the landlord is incorrect. I suggest you wait until at least 60 days have passed before taking action - the court will be more sympathetic then than if you run in and file something now. I know you want and need the deposit back, but some patience will have a greater chance of being beneficial to you.

Q. Can I sue my apartment for not fixing AC for over a year. Causing financial and emotional harm.

July 23, 2023

A: First, you can sue anyone for almost anything (there can be a penalty if it's frivolous, however. Don't worry: your situation is not 'frivolous' in my opinion). The real question is whether you can succeed in that suit. I think you have a fair chance of success - nothing certain - but if you've got good records of each call and result of that call it will help your case.

I always recommend consulting an attorney. That said, you can file a 'tenant assertion' and ask the judge to refund a portion of the rent paid. The attorney you consult can explain further. I can't stress getting an attorney enough: statistics show that well over 80% of unrepresented consumers in civil court lose. Beware that some leases have you paying the landlord's attorneys fees or have other restrictions.

good luck. ... Read More

Q. 2nd great grandfather leaves 85 acres to 14 children and all descendants, 1 still alive. Every descendant entitled?

June 7, 2023

A: This forum is designed and good for simple, general questions that will get you to the 'next step' for legal situations. Sometimes all people need is a simple answer. From the facts you’ve given, it seems that you need a lot more than an internet answer. Find and meet with an experienced real estate attorney in your area – there is a ‘search’ feature that can help you.