Spring break will mean a bit of a layoff for some high-school sports teams, while others will be participating in spring-break competitons over the next 10 days.
Some of that spring-break action will take place locally, while some teams will be participating in out-of-town tournaments.
Arlington County’s meals tax is increasing but property taxes are staying the same following a unanimous County Board vote last night (Wednesday).
Starting July 1, the county’s meals tax is increasing from 4% to 5% — the first time the rate has gone up since its inception in 1991. The increase, expected to bring in about $13.3 million in the coming fiscal year, comes despite the protests of some local restaurant owners and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.
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
An Arlington woman began her entrepreneurial journey earlier this year with the opening of a new fitness studio in Falls Church.
Hope Wheeler opened a barre3 this winter at 450 N. Washington Street, making a career shift after two decades in professional communications. Since February, the new boutique fitness studio has brought dozens of people together for classes in strength, cardio and mindfulness.
A divided County Board on Wednesday (April 9) approved development of a 531-unit residential project despite ongoing concerns from residents in the Green Valley neighborhood.
The 4-0 vote, with one abstention, paves the way for construction a mix of residential uses at the 5.52 acre site.
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.
More than two months later, the driver who struck and killed a 32-year-old in a January crash in Ballston is still in the hospital and police continue to investigate the incident.
The unnamed driver, identified only as a 71-year-old man, was behind the wheel of the pickup truck that slammed into another vehicle near the intersection of Wilson Blvd and N. Glebe Road on Jan. 27, killing McLean resident Xuewei He.
ARLnow has never done more local news reporting than we’re doing now.
We’re doing deep dives on local government and budgets, reporting regularly on how White House policies are affecting Arlington, doggedly covering beats like criminal justice and local business, and watching just about every local meeting of note.
In all, a half dozen full-time journalists contribute to our Arlington coverage. In this day and age, this level of hyperlocal coverage is rare for a community like Arlington. And it’s not easy to maintain.
Unfortunately, the current economic uncertainty is contributing to a meaningful downturn in our main source of revenue: advertising by local businesses and organizations.
While we already have more than 500 members of the ARLnow Press Club, we need more to weather a sustained economic downturn. If you’ve been on the fence, now is the time to join.
But it’s not just altruism — you’ll also get some great features which Press Club members love, including:
Join today via this link or the button below. Thank you!
Unemployment claims in Northern Virginia rose 7.1% between January and February, new data shows — offering a first glimpse of the impacts of mass federal layoffs.
A total of 53,394 people in the region were counted as unemployed and looking for work in February as sweeping job cuts began going into effect.
A man wanted in two jurisdictions by federal authorities was taken into custody in Ballston earlier this week.
Members of the U.S. Marshals Service arrested 22-year-old Tyler Jordan Clendenen on Tuesday, mere feet from the entrance to the Ballston Metro station.
Falls Church City Council members appear as divided as ever on how costs for trash collection in single-family neighborhoods should be funded.
At a Monday work session, Council members split almost down the middle on whether to shift to a fee-for-service model or to stick with funding weekly trash services through the city. More specifically, they are still debating whether they can work out details in the few weeks remaining before the city’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget is due for adoption.
