Ross Cameron Hart

Ross Cameron Hart

Hart & Hart Attorneys Ltd
  • Elder Law, Probate, Estate Planning
  • Virginia
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Biography

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.

Practice Areas
    Elder Law
    Probate
    Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
    Estate Planning
    Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
Video Conferencing
  • FaceTime
  • Skype
  • Zoom
  • Microsoft Teams
  • WebEx
Fees
  • 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.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Virginia
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4th Circuit
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Owner/President
Hart & Hart Attorneys Ltd
- Current
Family firm begun by my grandfather and his brother (Hon. John L. Hart) in 1892
Education
University of Virginia School of Law
J.D. (1976)
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Monmouth College
B.A. (1973) | Business Adm
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Awards
SuperLawyer
SuperLawyers
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)
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
Award for pro-bono (low income clients)
Professional Associations
NAELA
MEMBER
- Current
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Virginia Academy Elder Law Attorneys
Director
- Current
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Salem/Roanoke County Bar Ass'n
Member
- Current
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Virginia State Bar
Member
- Current
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Websites & Blogs
Website
Hart & Hart Attorneys Ltd.
Legal Answers
149 Questions Answered
Q. Would I have claim to land previously owned by my family based on wording in original owner's will?
A: Nope. You don't have any claim at all based on the facts you've given. That little word 'assigns' means people that ancestor may sell the land to. He sold it. There is also an obscure real estate rule called the 'Rule against Perpetuities' which, in very very simplistic terms, means that one can't tie up land for more than approximately 121 years (actually less, but that's an outside number)
Q. living in Virginia, yearly lease end 03/30/23 and I gave the notice on 02/20 but landlord said my vacate date 04/20
A: Read your lease. Some leases have an extended notice period such as 60 days (which your landlord is telling you). Your lease controls if it was written correctly. In leases I've drafted the following paragraph was included: ;;; YOU and WE may terminate this lease by giving to the other party written notice of YOUR or OUR intentions at least sixty (60) days before the date this lease is to end. If nobody gives notice, then at the end of the lease term, this lease continues on a month-month basis at the same monthly rental then in effect. The effective date of all termination notices shall be the last day of the second month following the month in which notice of termination is given (EXAMPLE: Notice given June 15th will be effective August 31st.) ;;; Yes, I included the example so it was clear how notice was interpreted.
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?
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.
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Contact & Map
HART & HART ATTORNEYS, LTD.
40 W Main St
PO Box 567
Salem, VA 24153
Telephone: (540) 375-3281
Fax: (540) 375-7677
Monday: 9 AM - 4 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 4 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 4 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 4 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 1 PM
Saturday: Closed (Today)
Sunday: Closed
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