News

A major redevelopment project next to Gateway Park is receiving largely positive feedback from local leaders, despite some concerns about pedestrian safety and vehicle access.

The One Rosslyn project received its first vetting at a Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC) meeting last week. Developer Penzance proposes to raze existing office buildings at 1901 and 1911 Fort Myer Drive and replace them with a three-building complex with over 800 units.


News

Several residents and members of the Arlington business community spoke out against proposed tax hikes at a County Board hearing last week.

As officials are considering possible bumps to the county’s meals tax and real estate tax, several speakers at a Thursday meeting made the case for fiscal restraint in the face of significant economic uncertainty in the D.C. area.


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


Around Town

It’s the end of an era for the McDonald’s at 4834 Langston Blvd.

The fast food chain’s aging Langston Blvd location just closed and is now blocked off with fencing, ahead of its scheduled demolition to make way for a long-planned, modernized building.


News
Looking up at a flowering tree (staff photo)

New Anti-Speeding Law — “Virginia will become the first state in the nation to allow judges to order anti-speeding devices to be installed in the cars of the worst speeders, a substantial victory for transportation advocates and one that they hope can be replicated elsewhere. The new rule, approved by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin late last month and expected to go into effect in July 2026, will enable judges to force drivers convicted of going over 100 miles per hour to install a “speed governor” in their vehicles.” [Streetsblog]

It’s Preparedness Month — “Arlington Preparedness Month, recognized each April, is an opportunity for everyone to assess their emergency plans, create or update emergency kits, and take the necessary steps to ensure you and your loved ones are ready for any situation.” [Arlington County]

Small Grants Available — “This spring, Arlington County is offering the Neighborhood Mini Grant (NMG) program, a competitive grant program to support projects that build community and engage residents. Applications are due by Monday, June 30, 2025. The program aims to provide Arlington neighborhoods and community-based organizations with funding opportunities to encourage civic and community building.” [Arlington County]

F.C. ADU Plan Nears Vote — “The City Council on March 24, 2025, held a final work session on accessory dwellings (ADs) prior to the April 14 scheduled passage of the code changes discussed for the past year. Council Members lined up 3-3 with contrasting positions on the one remaining issue to be discussed in April: the permissible side and rear setbacks for ADs from the property line.” [Falls Church Pulse]

It’s Wednesday — Expect partly sunny skies and highs near 61, along with southeast winds ranging from 8 to 15 mph and gusts up to 23 mph. Wednesday night will be cloudy, with lows around 53, accompanied by southeast winds at around 13 mph and gusts reaching 21 mph. [NWS]


Around Town

Good Tuesday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Apr 1, 2025.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Wednesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

🌤️ Wednesday’s forecast

Expect partly sunny skies and highs near 61, along with southeast winds ranging from 8 to 15 mph and gusts up to 23 mph. Wednesday night will be cloudy, with lows around 53, accompanied by southeast winds at around 13 mph and gusts reaching 21 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
– Theodore Roosevelt

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.


News

Reported incidents of rabbits getting shot in Lyon Park have led to new signs warning of consequences for animal cruelty.

For the past two springs, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington has responded to reports of someone injuring rabbits in the neighborhood, south of Courthouse, spokesperson Chelsea Jones told ARLnow.


News

A driver just missed a tree falling on their vehicle in Arlington’s Douglas Park neighborhood today.

The incident happened just after noon on S. George Mason Drive, north of Four Mile Run Drive.


Around Town

A new cafe with plenty of vegetarian breakfast and lunch options hopes to open in Ballston this fall.

Life Alive Cafe, which has been planning to set up shop in the former Bruegger’s Bagels space at 818 N. Quincy Street, announced plans to open this September.


Around Town

Serving up noodles, soup dumplings and dim sum, a D.C.-area Chinese restaurant is set to open a new location tomorrow (Wednesday) in Rosslyn.

Yu Noodles will kick off its soft opening at 11 a.m. at 1515 Wilson Blvd, where Tom Yum District closed in 2021, co-owner Tea Shao told ARLnow.