ESTATE & ELDER LAW CENTER OF SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Managing Attorney, CELA®, CAP
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.
For matters such as this, in estate planning, or when serving as an Independent Trustee or Executor, it is essential to choose an attorney with the education and expertise that gives you confidence in your counsel! Robert works hard to educate himself and his staff on an ongoing basis to provide experienced advocacy and representation for his clients at a time when they are in uncharted and unfamiliar, overwhelming circumstances.
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. In addition, he is also on the Council of Advanced Practitioners, a distinction he achieved early in his practice.
A 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 travelling with his wife Cricket!
Charles Graves Anthony, III, joins the firm as Associate Attorney. A graduate of Bassett High School, Class of 2012, He attended Hampden-Sydney College, graduating in 2016. From there, he went on to receive his Juris doctorate in Law from Charleston School of Law, in 2020.
Being a Bassett native, he is pleased to have the opportunity to return and practice law in his hometown! Mr. Anthony may be one of the attorneys you meet with to discuss your Estate Planning needs, concerns and questions. He assists Mr. Haley and staff in the management of the firm's overall caseload. In his off-hours, he stays active in the community and his local church and when not serving others, considers himself a pit master when it comes to barbecue, as well as being a massive sports and music fan.
Job Titles:
- Legal Assistant
- Legal Assistant / Southside Virginia Estate Planning Law Firm
Cheyenne may be one of the first people you talk to on the phone or see when coming into the office! She joins our team bringing enthusiasm to the process of helping our clients with their Estate Planning documents as well as assisting Mr. Haley in Guardianships. In addition, Cheyenne also aids and assists the attorneys and other staff as needed in the management of the firm's caseload. Her genuine, outgoing and friendly personality will make working with her a pleasurable experience.
Cheyenne in her off-time, likes to travel and enjoys live music and the outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Life Care Planning Coordinator
- Life Care Planning Coordinator / Southside Virginia Estate Planning Law Firm
Joanna R. Smart is a Life Care Planning Coordinator. She completed her training in December of 2018 as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
As a Life Care Planning Coordinator, Joanna supports clients in transition, dealing with caregiver fatigue, advocating for clients in the long-term care setting and navigating a very complex health care delivery system. With her eye towards continuing education and her engaging personality, she is a great asset to our firm. Joanna has a fiance' and one child. In their limited free time between school and work, they all enjoy spending family time together both inside and outside as much as is possible.
Job Titles:
- Legal Assistant
- Legal Assistant, Estate Planning, Estate Administration / Probate & Medicaid Planning / Southside Virginia Estate Planning Law Firm
Laura C. Schein is one of the newer additions to our firm! She has years of experience in marketing, web design and public relations and assists the firm in designing, posting and managing our social media content across various platforms. In this Digital Age we all live in, she is one of the driving forces in getting the message out about what we do as a firm within the community!
Laura has her MLIS (Masters of Library and Information Science) from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she specialized in information ethics and copyright law. With an eye towards continuiing education, she has set her sights on pursuing her Juris Doctorate in the fall.
On her off-time, she is an oil painter and licensed tattoo artist, and spends her free time reading, and hiking with her two Siberian Huskies, Lydia and Beowulf.
Job Titles:
- Legal Assistant
- Marketing Specialist
Job Titles:
- Legal Assistant & J.D. Candidate
- Legal Assistant & J.D. Candidate / Southside Virginia Estate Planning Law Firm
Nancy may be one of the first people you talk to on the phone or see when coming into the Lynchburg office! She is the newest member of our staff and joins our team bringing enthusiasm to the process of helping our clients plan their estates. Having served in the Air Force previously, she is currently pursuing her Juris Doctorate in Law at Liberty Law School, and we are exited to have her join our staff!
Nancy also assists attorneys and other staff as needed in the management of the firm's caseload. Her genuine, outgoing and friendly personality will make working with her a pleasurable experience.
In her free time, she enjoys a great many hobbies, such as painting, hiking, snowboarding, and riding her motorcycle. Nancy also volunteers and leads group camping trips in order to show others the beauty of the natural world around us! Ms. Fuller is also a founding member of the 192nd Wing Diversity Board which searches for ways to educate, inform, and further gather people of all backgrounds together in the community and in serving our country.
The staff was very professional. They went beyond the normal to assist me as needed and explained the procedures being used to complete my legal documents. Customer service was outstanding. I would highly recommend them to my family n friends. Sironia Renee Gilbert
Job Titles:
- Life Care Planning Coordinator
- Life Care Planning Coordinator & Community Liaison / Southside Virginia Estate Planning Law Firm
Stephanie Wagoner is the Life Care Planning Coordinator and Community Liaison for the firm. With years of experience as a registered nurse, Stephanie supports clients in transition, dealing with caregiver fatigue, advocating for clients in the long-term care setting and navigating a very complex health care delivery system.
Your family may decide to meet with Stephanie to discuss care options and help available as you care for your aging parents. Stephanie is a nursing instructor at PHCC, is married to Dale Wagoner and has a beautiful daughter. They enjoy spending time with family at their cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains.