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.

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• 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.

Virginia

Since 1976

4th Circuit

Since 1981

Owner/President

Hart & Hart Attorneys Ltd

1976 - Current

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

University of Virginia School of Law

J.D. (1976)

1973 - 1976

Monmouth College

B.A. (1973) | Business Adm

1969 - 1973

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

Q. Can I pursue action against a landlord for tenant's dangerous dogs?

May 13, 2025

A: Without knowing more, I doubt that any action against the landlord would be successful.

I'm assuming the property is in Virginia and subject to the Virginia landlord tenant act. That act requires that the landlord give the tenant notice to remove the dogs - and then the tenant usually has 21 or 30 days to do so; then the landlord has to file to evict the tenant which - if contested - can take several months to accomplish if there aren't any appeals.

While there is a 'restitution' order, consider filing suit directly against the tenant for civil damages. Restitution orders are hard to enforce and don't give you direct ability to garnishee wages or levy on property; a civil judgment does. If you do this, a lawyer is advisable to navigate the process. ... Read More

Q. How costly and complex is correcting an erroneous deed in Virginia?

May 8, 2025

A: Mr. Sternberg is correct - without more information there's no way to quote a flat fee. I would want to see comprehensive title examinations for all involved parcels to evaluate how much of a problem actually exists. I would also look at your plans for the property with the title examination results in hand.

The comment about a 'poorly drafted' deed is unfortunately common. A lot of lawyers without extensive real estate experience think they can write a deed. If you pursue this make sure you get to a lawyer with significant real estate litigation experience, not someone who just 'does closings'.

Q. Can a real estate company sell a home "as-is" without disclosing known septic problems in Virginia?

April 26, 2025

A: The law on this is complex and not helpful to you.

First, Real estate agents (the 'company' in your question) only know what the actual seller/former owner tell them. Unfortunately, sellers either don't tell or lie to their agents about the property. If the seller, personally, told you that the septic system was OK, then you might have a case.

Second, Virginia is pretty much 'buyer beware'. The property was listed 'as is' so you should have had a home and septic inspection as part of the closing.

I'll add that the septic inspection unfortunately is not conclusive, unfortunately, as the property could have been vacant long enough that the septic drain field (which I assume is your problem) was fairly dry; inspection doesn't fill the system with water to see if it's backing up. Only after you moved in and began using the system did the problems surface. ... Read More