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 my wife's pre-marriage assets be seized for my business loan judgment in VA?

March 19, 2025

A: Your problem is very complex - much too complicated for an internet answer board which is designed to give you a quick response or help you to the 'next step'. Your issue is way beyond that. Find and consult a lawyer experienced in this area of the law to get more information about your matter, and take with you EVERY SCRAP of documentation you have. It's better to take too much than too little as something you don't think is important could change the case.

Q. Are my late husband's children entitled to proceeds from his inherited house sale?

March 14, 2025

A: I'm sorry for your loss.

The answer isn't a simple 'yes' or 'no'. Without further information you may be entitled to 1/3 of his share and his children the other 2/3, however a critical issue is timing - distribution if his aunt died before your husband is one result, but if your husband died before his aunt there is a different result.

Bottom line: consult an experienced probate/real estate lawyer near the area where the Aunt lived. Additionally, if you live in Virginia (your question hinted that you do not) you may be entitled to additional part of his estate for 'allowances' which is also a timing issue.

Q. Remove my name from house deed with mortgage in VA

March 7, 2025

A: Mr. Sternberg is correct - you need to consult an Elder Law attorney before you do something foolish. To find one, you can go to the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA) website - www.vaela.org - and find several near you. The system indicates that you're in Northern Virginia - there are a lot of very good lawyers in VAELA in your area.

Click on the Find A Lawyer button, and use your zip code to find those close to you. You can click on their names and see their website if you want to know more about them before you call.