Mass resignations, layoffs and turmoil within the federal workforce present sweeping and potentially unprecedented challenges for Arlington’s economy, experts say.
As President Donald Trump’s plans to dramatically shrink the federal government have begun to take shape in recent weeks, so have projections for wide-ranging economic fallout throughout the D.C. area.
Two new on-site restaurants are planning to open at The Key, Rosslyn’s forthcoming Hilton hotel.
Signage for Locket, a restaurant with “fine American cuisine,” and Scott’s Coffee Shop & Mart have appeared at 1900 Fort Myer Drive. Both plan to open alongside the hotel this fall, a representative for Dittmar Company, the building’s property manager, told ARLnow.
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
Firefighters from Arlington and other local departments are on scene of a fire in Falls Church.
A one-story building is on fire at the Falls Green apartment complex at 501 Roosevelt Blvd, just north of the Eden Center shopping center.
Commercial advertising at Arlington Public Schools’ athletic facilities? It may be on the horizon.
The county school system currently bars advertising at its fields and stadiums, but a proposed policy revision could change that.
Live standup comedy in Arlington on Friday July 31 starring Jim Bryan, Kim Villamera, and Greg Billet.
Friday, July 31, 2026
A pair of Arlington men are each facing a felony charge for alleged violent incidents over the weekend.
The first happened Friday afternoon in the Arlington Heights neighborhood, just south of Route 50. Police say two men got into a verbal dispute that escalated to one attacking the other with a pocketknife.
Arlington school leaders are making strides in reducing chronic student absenteeism, but the results have been uneven.
Twenty-eight county schools showed year-over-year declines in chronic-absentee rates in the second quarter of 2024-25. But 11 posted an increase, Superintendent Francisco Durán told School Board members last week.
Arlington’s Ethiopian community works hard to successfully integrate into the broader community while retaining and celebrating its traditions.
That was the view of panelists as a Black History Month program convened Thursday (Feb. 13) by the Arlington Historical Society.
County Board Frowns on Bill — “A plan to change up Arlington County’s local government structure has advanced through the state legislature, potentially giving this Northern Virginia community the ability to reshape how many people it elects to its top governing body and how it elects them. But there’s one key player that isn’t on board: the Arlington County Board itself.” [Washington Post]
Real Estate Rumors Overblown — “This is factually incorrect. Many homes in this graphic aren’t even in Arlington. In Jan 2025, Arlington home prices were up 3% YoY, and sales increased 5%. A 5% sales increase ≠ “Everything is being put on the market.” The map is inaccurate at best, misleading at worst.” [Matt Leighton/X, MoCoShow]
Trauma for Crash Responders — “More details about the Reagan National crash are emerging, including how first responders were exposed to an enormous amount of jet fuel that had pooled in the river, essentially swimming in a pool of gasoline… ‘We’re talking about the cumulative effects of the trauma, of the horrible scene that they encountered, but also the physical effects.'” [WTOP]
Beyer Posts Resources for Feds — “Please know that your work is essential to the functioning of the U.S. government… It’s my hope that the resources provided below will address your questions and concerns, and provide you with as much information as possible. This page will continue to be updated as we navigate the changes brought by the new administration.” [Rep. Don Beyer]
New Tool for Mapping Vulnerability — “Arlington County released the Community Vulnerability Index Map (CVIM), a new tool to help identify concentrations of vulnerable populations in Arlington. The map ranks census tracts from the highest to the lowest concentrations of vulnerable populations and can assist in answering the Racial Equity Lens questions.” [Arlington County]
It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 36 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 11 to 15 mph with gusts reaching up to 25 mph. As Tuesday night arrives, anticipate increasing clouds and a low temperature around 20 degrees, along with a north wind blowing at 8 to 10 mph. [NWS]
Bunny and Squirrel, LLC trading as Toastique, 244 19th Ct S, Ste 40, Arlington VA 22202
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Retail Restaurant or Caterer Application – Restaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed Beverages, Consumed On and Off Premises
Lara Langdon, Owner of Bunny and Squirrel LLC
NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.
