A Ballston-area medic unit temporarily went out of service last Friday due to ongoing staffing problems at the Arlington County Fire Department.
The unit at Station 2 ceased operations during the day shift to avoid holding firefighters on mandatory, unscheduled overtime, ACFD spokesperson Capt. Jamie Jill told ARLnow.
The exterior of a chapel in a North Arlington local historic district will receive a deep cleaning and restoration work over the summer.
The county’s Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB) voted 13-0 last week to allow Walker Chapel United Methodist Church to use PVC materials to replace rotted wood in some areas. In other places, wood will still be required.
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 soaking rain and gusty winds are causing some tree troubles around Arlington.
Nearly an inch of rain has fallen so far today. Also falling: trees and utility lines.
Local entrepreneur MaryBeth Powers is being featured on an episode of Women in Power, a series that highlights inspiring women whose passion, perseverance, and purpose have made a meaningful impact in their communities.
The episode shares the remarkable story behind Teddy’s Turmeric Tamer®, an all-natural daily wellness topper for dogs that was born from love and determination. After MaryBeth’s beloved dog, Teddy, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and given just 2–4 weeks to live, she refused to give up hope. Through extensive research and a commitment to natural wellness, she created a unique blend of premium ingredients to support Teddy’s health. Teddy went on to enjoy three more years filled with love, comfort and quality of life.
Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center is closed until further notice following an incident that caused the sprinkler and fire alarm system to go off.
A pipe in the ceiling of the county facility near Crystal City may have burst around 11:30 a.m. today (Wednesday), according to scanner traffic. A tipster told ARLnow that the facility was evacuated following a “sudden water gush and falling ceiling tiles in [the] diving board area.”
*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.
A 23-year-old D.C. woman is facing several charges after an incident that prompted a sizable police response at the Pentagon City mall.
It happened Tuesday morning when an officer confronted a shoplifting suspect, who then allegedly tried to flee, leading to a foot pursuit and a struggle.
An exhibition showcasing the power of art to help people heal and build community brought the public to American Legion Post 139 over Memorial Day weekend.
Organizers hope it will become a regular occurrence.
Additional enforcement options for automated speed cameras could be on the Falls Church City Council’s wish list for the 2026 General Assembly.
“We have talked about this and talked about this,” City Council member Laura Downs said of expanding the speed-camera program.
Races in the Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic are happening in Arlington and D.C. this weekend, leading to some road closures around Clarendon and Crystal City.
The international cycling event kicks off its 27th year at 7 a.m. this Saturday with an amateur Challenge Ride, followed by professional/amateur races in the Capital Cup and Sunday’s Clarendon Cup.
Monday Afternoon Car Chase — “@PFPAOfficial & @ArlingtonVaPD had a report of someone breaking into cars in the lot across from Target around p.m. Officers converged on the lot looking for the person, but he had already gotten into a blue Hyundai. Police chased it east on Army Navy Drive. The Hyundai almost collided with a car at S. Hayes. It appears both PFPA & ACPD cut the chase near S. 12th and Army Navy.” [Dave Statter/X]
Fall of Saigon Remembered — “One of those local businessmen Vinh Nguyen, told his own harrowing story of his family’s flight from Vietnam in April 1974 when he was just 15 years old and the long circuitous path that led to their migration to one of four U.S. refugee camps in the U.S. and eventually to the D.C. area where they opened a small grocery business in what was known at the time in Arlington as a Little Saigon neighborhood of near present day Clarendon but soon migrated, with his family’s being one of the first, to the present day Eden Center.” [FCNP]
End of Line for D.C. Streetcar — “After less than a decade of operation, the D.C. Streetcar is set to be phased out and replaced by an electric bus that Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) called a “next generation streetcar” when she announced the change Tuesday… City Administrator Kevin Donahue said at the announcement that the new streetcar would be “essentially buses that utilize” the streetcar system’s existing cables for power.” [Washington Post]
It’s Wednesday — Expect showers during the day and potential thunderstorms after 5pm, with a high near 63 and east winds reaching up to 21 mph. Rainfall amounts could range from three quarters to one inch. For Wednesday night, showers are likely with a possible thunderstorm, a low around 59, and lighter winds after midnight. There’s a 60% chance of nighttime precipitation. [NWS]
