Robert W. Haley
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Wills & Probate, Estate Administration, Trusts, Medicaid Planning for Elders | Asset Protection
Certified Elder Law Attorney
Robert W. Haley | Managing Attorney
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About Robert
Certified Elder Law Attorney® Robert W. Haley brings over 27 years of legal expertise and knowledge to his firm, which concentrates solely on the areas of elder law, estate planning (Last Will & Testaments, Durable Powers of Attorney, Health Care Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, Trusts, etc.,.) Asset Protection/Medicaid Planning and Fiduciary services. For many years, Robert practiced in real estate law, and in general practice, but decided to narrow his focus to elder law and estate planning when he realized the tremendous need for proper planning to be filled in Southside Virginia.
Robert found the attention to detail that is so important when searching a real estate title can also help families protect their hard-earned assets while securing crucial Medicaid eligibility for their long-term care needs. The Medicaid system is a myriad of rules and regulations and this attention to detail is what can often make the vital difference in planning!
He understands how stressful it is for families when a loved one needs long-term care. He knows that while he cannot take away that burden, he can help give the family some peace of mind in the complex process of securing long-term care Medicaid benefits. Even families that have long-term care insurance in place have legal needs and Robert explains and educates his clients on their options so that they can make the best decision for themselves and their family both now as well as in the future! Robert has seen too many families spend their life savings unnecessarily or put in a position to sell their family home to qualify for the nursing home and long-term care; Robert and his staff diligently work to help families plan to avoid these heart-wrenching outcomes.
As the only Certified Elder Law Attorney® in Southside Virginia, many attorneys refer their clients to Robert due to his excellent reputation, not only as an expert in his field, but also as an award-winning attorney of the highest ethical standards. He is a charter member of the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA) as well as a long-standing member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). In addition, he is also on the NAELA Council of Advanced Practitioners, (CAP) a distinction he achieved early in his practice. CAP was established by the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) as an invitation-only council. Members are recognized as innovators of the profession; instrumental in leading the future of Elder Law; a major source of speakers, writers, and leaders of the NAELA programs and role models, providing a “vision” and mentoring for NAELA members. Candidates must be NAELA members for a minimum of 10 years, AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell® and either a NAELA Fellow or a Certified Elder Law Attorney®.
Mr. Haley divides his time among our three office locations in Bassett, Danville and Lynchburg as needed. A veteran and native of Bassett, Robert came back home to open his law practice in 1995 upon graduating law school after proudly serving our country in the United States Air Force for over eight years. When not in the office, Robert enjoys reading, smoking fine cigars, and traveling with his wife Cricket!
Robert found the attention to detail that is so important when searching a real estate title can also help families protect their hard-earned assets while securing crucial Medicaid eligibility for their long-term care needs. The Medicaid system is a myriad of rules and regulations and this attention to detail is what can often make the vital difference in planning!
He understands how stressful it is for families when a loved one needs long-term care. He knows that while he cannot take away that burden, he can help give the family some peace of mind in the complex process of securing long-term care Medicaid benefits. Even families that have long-term care insurance in place have legal needs and Robert explains and educates his clients on their options so that they can make the best decision for themselves and their family both now as well as in the future! Robert has seen too many families spend their life savings unnecessarily or put in a position to sell their family home to qualify for the nursing home and long-term care; Robert and his staff diligently work to help families plan to avoid these heart-wrenching outcomes.
As the only Certified Elder Law Attorney® in Southside Virginia, many attorneys refer their clients to Robert due to his excellent reputation, not only as an expert in his field, but also as an award-winning attorney of the highest ethical standards. He is a charter member of the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA) as well as a long-standing member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). In addition, he is also on the NAELA Council of Advanced Practitioners, (CAP) a distinction he achieved early in his practice. CAP was established by the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) as an invitation-only council. Members are recognized as innovators of the profession; instrumental in leading the future of Elder Law; a major source of speakers, writers, and leaders of the NAELA programs and role models, providing a “vision” and mentoring for NAELA members. Candidates must be NAELA members for a minimum of 10 years, AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell® and either a NAELA Fellow or a Certified Elder Law Attorney®.
Mr. Haley divides his time among our three office locations in Bassett, Danville and Lynchburg as needed. A veteran and native of Bassett, Robert came back home to open his law practice in 1995 upon graduating law school after proudly serving our country in the United States Air Force for over eight years. When not in the office, Robert enjoys reading, smoking fine cigars, and traveling with his wife Cricket!
Admission
Virginia
1995
Education
Faulkner University
PhD (ABD) (Philosophy)
2025?
University of Virginia
MAPA (Public Administration)
1997
University of Maryland European Division
BS (Government & Politics)
1991
Recognitions & Achievements
Associations
-
Virginia State Bar; Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys; National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys; Virginia Bar Association, Elder Law & Special Needs Section; Independent Trustee Alliance
Questions & Answers
Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
I met with a caregiver spouse recently. As often in my experience, I could see she was under a lot of stress. Caregiving for a spouse with dementia is physically and mentally taxing. After out consult, my paralegal said "Have a great rest of your day!" Our client stopped in her tracks, turned and said "Honey, there are no good days.' We had another consult, this time with her son. Many spouses have feeling of guilt when the decision of nursing home care is on the table. Having her son there helped a lot, as he assured his mother that she could not kill herself, caring for his Dad. The decision was made to seek out the best facility while my staff went to work on the asset protection and gaining Medicaid eligibility; the facility was selected, and we were successful in protecting ALL the assets and securing Medicaid for her husband's long-term care costs! The real success was seen that Christmas when our clients came in to bring us cookies! She looked so much better, a new woman! She was very thankful for our help through the difficult process! This is the real success!
How did you build a successful practice?
I started an elder law practice in 1998, I began by joining the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and taking ever education course and attending conferences. By 2006 I sat for certification exam and passed, becoming a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA). Since then I have been named to the Council of Advanced Practitioners of NAELA; gained designation as a Master Certified Independent Trustee (MCIT) by the Independent Trustee Alliance and also a Accredited Trust Financial Advisor (ATFA) by Campbell University, Trust Advisor Alliance. Education and experience...there is no substitute for putting in the study and hard work.
What should clients look for in a lawyer?
I think in the day and age, reviews and rating are important and readily available! Personally, I have earned an AV Preeminent designation by Martindale Hubbell; named a Virginia Super Lawyer annually since 2007; we have many high client reviews from out clients, those are what I am most proud of!! Further, certifications are important; has you attorney gone to the expense and trouble to become certified. That's lets a client know an attorney is serious about being an expert in his field! These have all culminated into being named to the Best Lawyers in America in Elder Law in 2024!
How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
I find the most important factor in "local knowledge" is a local attorney knows the courts system; a local lawyer knows the clerks, and more importantly, knows the Judges. Each Judge has a style and have their ways of doing things! This local knowledge can be the difference in finalizing your case the day of the hearing!
What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
We moved a few years ago to a "Book-a-Call" system, where you can book a call with our office. In doing so, our intake ensures we can help you and directs your case to the proper Attorney!
What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
During the Book-a-Call, if we think we can help, the intake specialist will ensure you then receive your appointment confirmation and the appropriate questionnaire. Thus, when we meet, we will have everything we need to act quickly and move forward!
What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
My education, my expertise and my certifications. I am the only Certified Elder Law Attorney in all of Central and Southside Virginia.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
This job brings a lot of rewards; helping families prepare, guiding them through some of the toughest times in their lives. We take pride in being able to help families.
What are your other interests in addition to law?
My wife and I are both avid readers and book collectors! While we downsized our library when we moved, we still retain quite a library! We also love to travel, hike and enjoy each other's company!
Are you involved in your community?
Over the years, I have had a lot of civic involvement: Board Member Bassett Country Club Board Member & President of the Bassett Kiwanis Club Board Member, Bassett Volunteer Fire Department Board Member & President Patrick & Henry Community College Board Board Member Martinsville & Henry County Coalition for Health & Wellness Board Member Central Virginia Alliance for Community Living Board Member ARC of Southside President Martinsville & Henry County Bar Association