A recent event by the Arlington Historical Society marked the 250th anniversary of the founding of local and statewide militias in the Revolutionary War era.
The program held at the Ball-Sellers House on Saturday honored the establishment of the Fairfax militia in January 1775, followed by the creation of a statewide militia in August of that year.
Some projects are behind schedule in the Falls Church capital-improvement program (CIP), but they aren’t facing any major funding challenges.
Of the 37 active projects in the CIP, which range from roadway improvements to sports-field upgrades, 20 are listed as “on target,” six are “at risk” and 11 are “behind target,” according to a quarterly summary.
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
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is unveiling new limited-edition beer cans this week following the end of a charity contest featuring local pets.
The AWLA’s Rescue Brew Contest, which involved pet owners competing for a chance to feature their furry friend on 32-ounce aluminum cans, raised $53,000 after over 1,000 people voted to decide four winners.
The empty space left by Corner Bakery Cafe in Courthouse is getting a new restaurant, possibly by this fall.
Rocoto’s Restaurant and Bakery hopes to bring “high-end casual” Tex-Mex and Latin American fusion to 2111 Wilson Blvd, owner Jaime Vargas told ARLnow. The restaurant is under construction and recently applied for a state liquor license.
Join the Rosslyn BID and Arlington Arts at the 34th Rosslyn Jazz Fest 2026 featuring live jazz, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly activities in the heart of Rosslyn! This year’s lineup is bringing a diverse mix of performers and bands redefining the jazz music genre including Plena Libre, Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars, Parlor Greens, and Dogo du Togo & the Alagaa Beat Band.
Firefighters rescued a woman from a second-floor window while responding to a house fire in Alcova Heights early this morning (Tuesday).
The Arlington County Fire Department responded to the blaze on the 3700 block of 8th Street S. around 5:45 a.m. First responders described a fire in the attic and smoke coming from the roof.
Arlington’s congressman is quarreling with the Department of Homeland Security following a visit to one of Virginia’s immigration detention centers.
The federal department publicly criticized U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D) in a press release after he visited Farmville Detention Center on Friday. It accused him of prioritizing detainees with criminal convictions over crime victims.
The bathrooms at Greenbrier Park near Yorktown High School were damaged over the weekend by a pair of teen vandals.
The incident happened just before 11 p.m. Sunday. On social media, a witness described encountering the suspects before they fled on foot.
Arlington Public Schools is kicking off the school year with a more nuanced approach to curtailing athletic activity for hot and humid weather.
School Board members have adopted a new policy designating the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) as the benchmark covering athletic contests and practices.
Federal Takeover of D.C. — “President Donald Trump will federalize D.C.’s police department and deploy National Guard troops, he announced Monday, in historic restrictions on local control over the District. “This is liberation day in D.C. and we’re going to take our capital back,” the president said at a White House news conference. A White House official told NBC News that National Guard troops are expected to be on the ground Tuesday morning.” [NBC 4]
Questioning Crime Claims — “Violent crime in D.C. has been on the decline since 2023, when a generational spike in killings rendered the nation’s capital one of America’s deadliest cities, plunging communities into grief and igniting a local political crisis that escalated to Congress.” [Washington Post]
Beyer Blasts Takeover — “Trump’s “temporary” takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department is not intended to prevent crime, it is a soft launch of authoritarianism. Trump has a longstanding pattern of seeking showy displays of power.” [Press Release, Rep. Don Beyer/X]
Local Dems Release Statement — “Arlington Democrats stand in solidarity with our neighbors across the Potomac as they face Trump’s dangerous and undemocratic federal takeover of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and deployment of the National Guard. This action is a stark reminder that until D.C. achieves full statehood, its 700,000 residents will remain vulnerable to interference from leaders they did not elect.” [Arlington Democrats/Bluesky]
Trump Torpedoing Tourism? — “Ferguson said he fears groups will be tempted to cancel their meetings in light of the president’s claims, exacerbating an already difficult climate since Trump’s inauguration. Ferguson previously disclosed 41 groups that had scheduled events or were considering booking meetings in the District had canceled those plans or withdrawn their interest.” [WBJ]
Shirlington Circle Crash — “[Sunday] night around 10:30pm, Arlington & @AlexandriaVAFD units responded to a multi-vehicle crash at the Shirlington Circle exit. One vehicle was pinned in a T-bone collision. R109 removed the doors & roof for extrication. Driver transported with non-life-threatening injuries.” [ACFD/X]
Firefighters Remove Handcuffs — “R109 assisted in the removal of handcuffs that a child had accidentally placed on themselves. Due to the keyhole being inaccessible, they were unable to unlock the cuffs using the key. As a result, personnel carefully cut the handcuffs off to safely free the child without injury.” [ACFD/X]
Fair Starts Tomorrow — “The Arlington County Fair, one of the largest free events on the East Coast and a beloved Arlington tradition for nearly 50 years, opens its gates on Wednesday, Aug. 13, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. Held at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center and Park, the County Fair beings five days of rides, food, live entertainment, and community spirit to the heart of Arlington.” [Arlington County]
New Flood Maps — “Large swaths of the Washington region, including many of its roadways, rail lines and bus stops, are more vulnerable to flooding than was previously known, according to a new analysis and flood mapping from the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board.” [Washington Post]
It’s Tuesday — Expect patchy fog to clear by 8am, making way for partly sunny skies and a high near 91. A calm wind will pick up from the south around 6 mph in the afternoon. As for Tuesday night, it’ll be partly cloudy with a low of 74, and the south wind will continue at around 6 mph. [NWS]
