Around Town

A popular burger restaurant is closing its doors next week after more than 15 years in Lyon Village.

BGR: The Burger Joint — which opened in 2010 at 3129 Langston Blvd, in the Lyon Village Shopping Center — will serve its final customers on Dec. 24, an employee told ARLnow. The corporate office for BGR did not respond to a request for comment.


News

A number of roads were closed and there were reports of a strong odor of gas near the Pentagon due to a major gas line rupture Monday afternoon.

Initial reports suggest a 12-inch gas line was struck around 1:15 p.m., at the construction site for the Arlington National Cemetery expansion near the intersection of Columbia Pike and S. Joyce Street.


Sponsored

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.

1. Trying to Write a Will Without Legal Guidance

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.

2. Forgetting to Update Your Will

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.

3. Overlooking Federal Estate Tax Planning

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.

4. Not Planning for Minor Children

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.

5. Choosing the Wrong Executor—or Not Naming One at All

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.

Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Estate Plan

A will is only one part of a comprehensive estate plan. Depending on your circumstances, you may also benefit from:

  • A revocable living trust
  • A durable power of attorney
  • An advance medical directive
  • A transfer-on-death deed for your home

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.

The Bottom Line

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.

PJI Law, PLC: Estate Planning Attorneys in Fairfax, VA

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


News

A mistrial has been declared in the case against a former substitute teacher accused of having a two-year sexual relationship with a Washington-Liberty High School student.

Prosecutors sought the mistrial last Thursday after a jury failed to deliver a unanimous verdict in the three-day trial of Timothy Thomas McGhee, defense attorney Damon D. Colbert told ARLnow. The 12-member jury was ultimately split 8-to-4 — forcing Chief Circuit Court Judge Judith L. Wheat to grant the motion and declare a mistrial.


News

County Board members are promising a detailed written response after Lyon Park residents accused the local government of cutting down and carting off a “gateway” tree without cause.

The removal came despite efforts of the Lyon Park Citizens Association to preserve the tree, which had been located for the past 40 years on an island in the middle of N. Fillmore Street near 3rd Street N.


News

Arlington per-square-foot sales prices for homes hovered just below $500 in November, the second-highest in the region and up ever so slightly from a year ago.

For the month, the average cost per square foot for the 145 residential properties changing hands in Arlington was $498, according to figures reported Dec. 10 by MarketStats by ShowingTime. That was up by just under 1% from a year before, but slightly trailed the average of $504 recorded in Arlington for the first 11 months of the year.


Around Town

As Arlington’s fleet of snowplows rumbled to life after this weekend’s snowfall, the vehicles bore a new set of playful names submitted by local residents.

They’re just as pun-packed as last year’s.


News
Holiday lights and snow at The Crossing Clarendon (courtesy George Brazier)

Pike Project Approved — “The Arlington County Board gave final approval at its Saturday meeting to a major redevelopment project at 2601 Columbia Pike in Arlington, Virginia. “The Elliott” will be a 6-story, mixed-use property, with 271 apartments and about 15,000 square feet of retail space. It will replace the Fillmore Gardens shopping center on Columbia Pike, east of Walter Reed Drive.” [WTOP]

Gov. Shares Hanukkah Message — “In moments of darkness, we are reminded that faith, resilience, hope, and joy endure. The story of Hanukkah teaches us that even the smallest light can push back the darkness. As we reflect today, Suzanne and I wish our Jewish neighbors in Virginia and across the nation a safe and meaningful Hanukkah. May this Festival of Lights bring peace, comfort, joy, and renewed hope to you and your families.” [Gov. Glen Youngkin/X]

Police: ‘No Known Threats’ — “Throughout December and the winter holidays, officers are conducting proactive patrols throughout Arlington including conducting extra checks near all places of worship in the County. ACPD continuously monitors critical incidents occurring in the United States and throughout the world and works collaboratively with our law enforcement partners at the local, state and national levels on identifying any possible safety concerns impacting Arlington and our region.” [ACPD/X]

Car Fire on I-395 — “Last night, E109 responded to a vehicle fire on SB I-395 just before Shirlington Circle. Upon arrival, crews found an SUV fully involved in flames. E109 quickly extinguished the fire. There were no injuries to the driver or our firefighters. FMs will be investigating the cause.” [ACFD/X]

It’s Monday — Expect mostly sunny conditions and a high temperature of around 30 degrees during the day, with the northwest wind of 7 to 11 mph shifting to the southwest in the afternoon. Tonight, there will be partly cloudy skies, with the temperature dropping to a low of about 21 degrees. The south wind will be blowing at 5 to 7 mph before becoming light and variable after midnight. [NWS]

Today’s Morning Notes are brought to you by Industrious. ARLnow has been in an Industrious office for years and we love the convenience — you get to focus on your work rather than worrying about brewing your own coffee or keeping the copy machine stocked. Industrious has several Metro-accessible coworking locations in Arlington.


Weather

Main roads and highways around Arlington are mostly clear, after an inch or less of snow fell across the county.

Traffic cameras show mostly wet roads, though many neighborhood streets remain snow-covered after the overnight snowfall. The last of the flakes stopped falling in Arlington around 8 a.m.