Possible changes to Arlington rules on lot coverage could affect how large swaths of the county can be developed — and also make numerous existing homes out of step with zoning regulations.
County Board members on Feb. 25 directed staff to begin preparatory work to study if it makes sense to change how permeable surfaces on a lot are calculated.
A 19-year-old Fairfax woman is behind bars after police say she pepper sprayed someone during a dispute last night.
Police were dispatched to the 3500 block of Wilson Blvd in Virginia Square, near the 7-Eleven store, around 10:20 p.m. Sunday.
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
Bad Flu Season Continues — “The worst flu season in 15 years has left hundreds of thousands of Americans hospitalized nationwide, and D.C. is feeling it too. The virus is causing more severe complications and hitting young children especially hard.” [Axios]
Local Recession Worries — “Keith Waters, assistant director of the Stephen Fuller Institute at George Mason University, said the likelihood of the region falling into one is extremely high. ‘If I had to throw a number out, the odds are north of 80% that we tip into a technical recession,’ said Waters, one of the few academics who closely tracks the D.C. region’s economy.” [WBJ]
Luxury Home Sales Rise — “Luxury home sales in the D.C. metropolitan area are performing better than the overall market right now. In January, more than 200 homes priced at over $1.5 million sold. Almost 5% of homes currently on the market are priced at $2.5 million or higher, according to Long & Foster Real Estate.” [WTOP]
ACPD Mourns Retired K-9 — “The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is mourning the loss of retired K-9 Deuce Sunday. The 13-year-old German Shepherd ‘faithfully served’ the Arlington community from January 2013 to November 2021 as a patrol and narcotics K-9.” [DC News Now]
Sex Offender Appears in Court — “Richard Cox, a registered child sex offender, appeared in Arlington General District Court on Monday morning for a hearing related to a series of alleged indecent exposure incidents in an Arlington fitness center and at two Arlington schools.” [WJLA]
National Dems Look to Va. — “The national Democratic Party arm for state races said Tuesday it’s targeting Virginia as a battleground state ‘we must win and defend before the end of this decade.’ It’s a sign that Virginia’s November elections, which include all 100 House of Delegates seats being up for grabs, are being eyed as an early national political test ahead of the 2026 midterms.” [Axios]
Starbucks Menu Changes — “Starbucks launches its spring menu with new and returning limited-time drinks Tuesday — the same day the coffee giant removes 13 longtime items.” [Axios]
It’s Tuesday — Expect partly sunny skies and a high near 60 degrees, accompanied by a south wind between 6-11 mph and gusts up to 21 mph. Tonight, there is a 30% chance of showers after 1 am as clouds increase. The temperature will dip to around 50 degrees, with a south wind at 8-14 mph and gusts reaching 23 mph. [NWS]
Looking to get the pollen all off your car? We bring premium mobile detailing straight to your home or office. Skip the wait and drive something that feels brand new again. We provide interior deep cleans, exterior washes, paint shine, stain removal, and attention to every detail. Reliable, convenient, and built around your schedule.
Book your detail today and let us do all the work!
Good Monday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Mar 3, 2025.
Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Expect partly sunny skies and a high near 60 degrees, accompanied by a south wind between 6-11 mph and gusts up to 21 mph. Tonight, there is a 30% chance of showers after 1 am as clouds increase. The temperature will dip to around 50 degrees, with a south wind at 8-14 mph and gusts reaching 23 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”
– Helen Keller
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.
Live standup comedy in Arlington on Friday July 31 starring Jim Bryan, Kim Villamera, and Greg Billet.
Friday, July 31, 2026
A Columbia Pike shop known for its extensive selection of wines and beers is changing hands after almost 20 years.
The owners of K-1 Beer and Wine at 2516 Columbia Pike are preparing to retire, co-owner Dae Choi told ARLnow. His mother, Bun Kim, bought the shop in 2006 and passed it down to Choi and his brother, Sang Kim, when she retired a decade ago.
Several people have been injured, one seriously, after horses escaped on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall this afternoon, according to initial reports.
Arlington County police were initially dispatched around 2 p.m. to check along Route 50 near Courthouse for possible sightings of the escaped horses. Shortly thereafter, police were called off but firefighters and medics were dispatched to the base for reports of injuries.
An organic, vegetarian-friendly cafe plans to open in Ballston where Bruegger’s Bagels closed in 2023.
Life Alive Cafe is preparing to renovate at 818 N. Quincy Street, county permits show. The Boston-based eatery with a focus on fresh meals for breakfast and lunch is expanding into the D.C. area.
Renovations are coming to the Association of the U.S. Army’s headquarters in Courthouse, bringing sidewalk closures starting this week.
Pedestrian traffic on a portion of sidewalk near 2425 Wilson Blvd will be closed as the 32-week project gets underway. To perform structural repairs and improve below-ground waterproofing, work crews will be temporarily removing the sidewalk, planters and the building’s accessibility ramp.
A new policy limiting state and federal law enforcement’s access to Arlington Public Schools facilities is going into effect.
The Arlington School Board has approved a policy revision that restricts access for law enforcement agencies other than the Arlington County Police Department.
