Robert W. Haley, Managing Attorney

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

My education, my expertise and my certifications. I am the only Certified Elder Law Attorney in all of Central and Southside Virginia.

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.

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!

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

• 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