A standout multi-sports high-school athlete, then later an impactful assistant coach — all in Arlington — Joe McBride is switching counties to apply his craft.
The 2015 Yorktown High School graduate recently was hired as the new head varsity football coach at C.G. Woodson High in Fairfax County.
A marker celebrating a former cluster of Vietnamese businesses known as “Little Saigon” could be coming soon to Clarendon.
The concept design for a tabletop marker saluting the collection of Vietnamese restaurants and stores that once flourished in the neighborhood received approval from Arlington’s Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB) on Wednesday.
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
V I R G I N I A:
IN THE GENERAL DISTRICT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF ARLINGTON
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
ONE CAT “CHARLIE”, (MALE, ORANGE/WHITE )
AND APRIL STANDFIELD
NOTICE
Please take notice that the Commonwealth’s petition to have the above described animals forfeited pursuant to Section 3.2-6569, Code of Virginia, shall be heard on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 10:00 am in Courtroom 3B of the Arlington County Courthouse, 1425 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington, VA 22201.
As the local figure skating community grieves last month’s mid-air crash over the Potomac, MedStar Capitals Iceplex has enlisted therapy dogs to offer comfort and support.
Dogs from the nationwide nonprofit Canine Companions paid skaters a visit to the facility in Ballston last week and have planned another visit planned this Sunday, program manager Caitlin Bradley told ARLnow.
Join DC Road Runners and Potomac Valley Track Club for our annual Family Night at the Track and Meet of Miles. The event is open to runners of all ages and paces as well as nonmembers.
This event hosts 400 meter and 800 meter races for kids ages 1-8, as well as multiple 1-mile heats for participants of all ages. There is also a 3K race that is open to participants of all ages.
Sara Catherine DeWalt, a resident of Arlington, Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. She was 81 years old.
Born on March 25, 1943, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Sara was the daughter of Ural and Elise Pettigrew and the sixth of seven children. She graduated from Central High School in Cape Girardeau before earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri.
The oldest surviving business in Falls Church, Brown’s Hardware, is selling off the last of its wares as it prepares to close for good after 142 years.
The past few weeks have been busy but somber as patrons shuffle in to say goodbye, owner John Taylor told ARLnow. With about a fifth of all inventory remaining and an across-the-board 50% off sale, the store is on track to close at 100 W. Broad Street by the third week of March.
Firefighters from Arlington and Alexandria battled a blaze in the Arlington Ridge neighborhood this morning.
The fire, in the attic area of at least two adjacent townhomes, was reported around 11 a.m. Friday on the 2300 block of S. Queen Street.
The first Arlington location of a popular D.C.-area pizzeria is on track to open next month.
Andy’s Pizza signage has gone up at 901 N. Pollard Street in Virginia Square as the restaurant plans to open by late March, Chris Cutler, director of operations, told ARLnow.
Meet Dazymae, the newest Adoptable Pet of the Week!
This all black pup is in need of a forever home and is up for adoption through the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. She is currently in foster.
