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. I moved out before the end of the lease and keep paying rent but the landlord does not look for a new tenant. Can I sue?

January 29, 2023

A: You may be entitled to a refund for the period after the landlord began renovations of the rental unit. There is a difference between 'renovations' (serious work such as upgrade kitchen, bath, etc) and 'turnover' (new paint, possibly replace old carpet, etc). Also consider the cost of suit - you have to make sure you sue the right entity (landlord may own unit in a company name) and it's likely you will have three trips to the courthouse - first to file suit; second to show up on the 'return date' which schedules for the third time, the trial. You may need witnesses, and you'll certainly have to have proof of landlord's actions after you moved out. If you're paid hourly, consider those hours as a cost of suit - and the court cannot pay you for your time to go to/from court.

Q. My mother's will list my brother & myself. As heir to her estate. My brother pass. What happens now? I'm left executive

December 9, 2022

A: Three critical issues, two which the other lawyers mentioned. First, what does your mother's will say? The language in it is critical. Second, is the timing of their respective passing. if your mother passed first then your brother, then his wife and/or children could get his share. Third, If your brother passed before your mother, AND left children, then his children probably get his share unless the will said something different. Power of attorney is irrelevant - it died with your mother. Handling an estate has a lot of issues and traps. Don't do anything without consulting a probate lawyer to look over the whole situation and advise you

Q. My mother passed, had no will, my sister was handling the estate. She works for a criminal attorney that is now handling

November 14, 2022

A: In my opinion lawyers who focus on one area of the law shouldn't dabble in areas of law they aren't familiar with. It can breed malpractice claims. There are a lot of missing pieces in your short question. I suggest you consult an experienced probate law firm for a consultation about your rights. Elder Law attorneys handle a lot of probate matters, and you can find one through the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys at www.vaela.org (use your zip code to find one near you) As an heir or legatee you have the right to know what's going on. You may also be able to get some information from the Clerk of the Circuit Court where the estate is pending, or you can call the Commissioner of Accounts for that jurisdiction to see what paperwork has been filed. But consult a probate lawyer.