Power is starting to be restored to nearly 4,500 Dominion customers in Arlington after a large outage along Columbia Pike.
The widespread outage was first reported between 5-6 p.m. in the Penrose, Arlington Heights, Arlington Village and Columbia Heights neighborhoods. No cause has been given but restoration is expected by midnight, according to Dominion’s website.
Crews are working to repair a 15-inch water valve leak in the Rock Spring neighborhood that has impacted around 100 customers.
A traffic detour is currently in place around the intersection of Old Dominion Drive and Little Falls Road, and water is expected to be restored “in the next couple of hours,” Katie O’Brien, a spokesperson for Arlington’s Department of Environmental Services (DES), told ARLnow.
No matter your age, having a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. A properly prepared will ensures your wishes are carried out, helps reduce family disputes, and can make the estate administration process much smoother.
Unfortunately, many Virginians make avoidable mistakes that can create unnecessary stress and expense for their loved ones. Here are five of the most common.
Online templates and DIY wills may seem like an easy way to save money, but they often create bigger problems later. Virginia law has specific requirements for a valid will, including proper signatures and witness requirements. Even small mistakes can leave a will open to challenges or delay the administration of an estate.
A will shouldn’t be something you create once and forget. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, buying a home, or losing a loved one can all affect your estate plan.
Reviewing your will every few years—or after a major life event—helps ensure it still reflects your wishes and keeps your loved ones protected.
Virginia no longer has a state estate tax, but federal estate taxes may still affect larger estates. As home values and investments continue to grow, more families may find themselves closer to the federal exemption than they expected.
Planning ahead can help minimize tax consequences and preserve more of your estate for your beneficiaries.
For parents, a will does more than distribute assets—it allows you to name a guardian for your minor children. Without that designation, a court may ultimately decide who will care for them.
Many families also choose to establish a trust so inherited assets can be managed responsibly until children reach an age or milestone they determine is appropriate.
Your executor is responsible for carrying out your wishes, paying debts, and distributing your assets. Selecting someone who is organized, trustworthy, and capable of handling those responsibilities is just as important as deciding who inherits your property.
It’s also essential to clearly identify your beneficiaries. Vague language or outdated information can create confusion and, in some cases, disputes among family members.
A will is only one part of a comprehensive estate plan. Depending on your circumstances, you may also benefit from:
Together, these documents can help protect your finances, outline your healthcare wishes, and simplify matters for your family if you’re ever unable to make decisions yourself.
A well-prepared estate plan provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. By avoiding these common mistakes and keeping your documents up to date, you can help ensure your wishes are honored while reducing stress for your family in the future.
If it’s been several years since you’ve reviewed your will—or you’ve never created one—it may be time to speak with an experienced Virginia estate planning attorney about your options.
At PJI Law, PLC, we work with clients across Fairfax and Northern Virginia to build estate plans that reflect their intentions and align with Virginia law. Our estate planning attorneys take the time to review your assets, beneficiary designations, business interests, and family structure so your plan works as intended.
Whether you’re creating your first will or revisiting an existing one, our team will help you avoid the mistakes that can undermine your entire estate plan.
Call (703) 865-6100 or contact us online to schedule your complimentary consultation today.
PJI Law, PLC
3900 Jermantown Rd, 2nd Floor
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(703) 865-6100
https://pjilaw.com
A proposed redevelopment project at the Ballston Holiday Inn is requesting an extension on an impending construction deadline.
County Board members are expected to approve a request to extend the deadline to begin construction at 4600 and 4610 Fairfax Drive from July 2026 to July 31, 2029.
Low-income Arlington Transit riders can now get half off their bus fares through Metro Lift, a regional discount program.
ART began accepting Metro Lift on all of its routes on July 1, becoming the first of Metro’s regional partners to sign on, according to Metro.
*Mamistad Groups meet IN PERSON-only the introductory Zoom call is virtual. :)
Pregnancy and new mom groups are a lifesaver when it comes to normalizing those feelings we just can’t be prepared for.
The owners of a beloved Westover hardware store are reflecting on a 78-year legacy of community investment and support as they prepare to close their doors.
Over the decades, Ayers Variety and Hardware — established in 1948 — built a reputation around friendly, knowledgeable staff who embraced the “small town feel” of the surrounding neighborhood. Spending time to help customers solve household problems and track down hard-to-find items, employees connected with generations of shoppers who knew the retailer as a local fixture.
A 57-year-old Arlington man is facing a felony charge after police say he beat someone he knows with a combination lock Sunday afternoon.
The alleged incident happened in a residential building on the 2000 block of 14th Street N., a block away from Arlington County police headquarters in Courthouse.
A series of free outdoor concerts from D.C.-area artists is returning to Crystal City beginning this Friday.
“Fridays at the Fountain” will kick off at 6 p.m. with a performance from the indie rock band The Montaines at Water Park (1601 Crystal Drive). Shows will continue every Friday through Aug. 21.
A recent straw poll from the Arlington County Democratic Committee offered an early glimpse into the local party’s leanings in the 2028 presidential race, along with local races.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) received 33 votes at the event, held July 11 at Bon Air Park. Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg came out in second with 26 votes.
The Planning Commission has unanimously supported a plan to convert two vacant, 1980s-era office buildings in Pentagon City into a major residential project.
The 8-0 vote on July 6 paves the way for July 18 County Board consideration of the plan by JM Zell Partners and Lincoln Equities Group for 601 and 701 12th Street S. The team seeks to create 607 residential units, plus nearly 30,000 square feet of retail space and ancillary office use.
