Designs for a Rosslyn park, a controversial towing decision and a possible change in Arlington County Fair operations are all going before the Arlington County Board this week.
These items are all on the agenda as the Board holds its last meetings of the year on Saturday (Dec. 14) and the subsequent Tuesday (Dec. 17).
With the incoming Trump administration promising stepped up deportations, the Arlington Free Clinic is clarifying its policies around responding to official inquiries.
The clinic — which provides services to low-income, uninsured Arlington adults — informed volunteers of how to answer “inquiries by officials” in an email yesterday (Monday).
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
A Crystal City eatery is about to start serving Michelin-starred tacos. But only for a short time.
Starting tomorrow (Wednesday) and lasting through Thursday, Dec. 26, Tacombi at 1550 Crystal Drive will offer some items from the menu of Mexico City-based El Califa de León — the first taqueria in the world to earn a Michelin star.
Families will also have the opportunity to tour the Dojo, meet our team, learn about our coding programs and camps, and take advantage of special Open House enrollment offers.
Admission is free, but registration is encouraged.
A casual eatery with a “veggie-forward” menu is on track to open at some point next year at The Crossing Clarendon.
The location at 2800 Clarendon Blvd, in the former Jos. A. Bank space, will be the first location outside of New York City for Westville, which serves “casual American food.”
Live standup comedy in Arlington on Friday July 31 starring Jim Bryan, Kim Villamera, and Greg Billet.
Friday, July 31, 2026
The best restaurants in Virginia, at least according to Washingtonian readers, are all in Arlington and Falls Church.
The magazine yesterday published its list of “Your Favorite Restaurants Around DC in 2024.” Under the “Best Restaurant in Virginia” category, readers chose three familiar local spots: Thompson Italian and Ellie Bird, both in Falls Church, plus Ruthie’s All Day in Arlington in the No. 3 position.
Arlington leaders are seeking help from the state government in boosting efforts to convert aging office buildings to residential use.
“We have some buildings that are great candidates” for conversion, County Board member Maureen Coffey said at a Dec. 3 work session with members of the county’s legislative delegation.
A bullet was found in an elementary school classroom yesterday afternoon and it’s unclear how it got there.
Police were called to Arlington Traditional School, at 1030 N. McKinley Road, around 12:45 p.m. Monday after a student reportedly found a bullet in a fourth-grade classroom. So far, the investigation has not revealed where the bullet came from.
Crash Caught on Camera — From Dave Statter: “This impatient driver ran off the road and crashed seconds after this maneuver. This was just after midnight on the ramp from 110N to I-66W in the Rosslyn area. If you look closely, you can just make out the car leaving the road. The two young men in the car apparently left the scene but called police and EMS a couple of hours later from the Exxon at Wilson Blvd and N. Rhodes St.” [Twitter]
Osprey Fleet Grounded Again — “The U.S. military is again pausing Osprey aircraft flights following a near-crash last month. This is the latest setback for the U.S. Osprey fleet, which was temporarily grounded last year following a series of fatal crashes in recent years.” Among those fatal incidents was a crash in Australia that killed a Marine from Arlington. [Axios]
Gun Arrest in Shirlington — “At approximately 10:24 a.m. on December 7, police were dispatched to Columbia Pike and S. Glebe Road for the report of a suspicious person. The preliminary investigation determined that the male suspect was allegedly acting disorderly and manipulating what appeared to be a firearm before leaving the area. A lookout was broadcast, and responding officers subsequently located the suspect in the area of S. Randolph Street and S. Quincy Street.” [ACPD]
Ballston Metro Meeting Tonight — “Plans for a new $177 million west entrance to the Ballston Metro station are beginning to solidify… A public hearing on the project is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street).” [ARLnow]
Options for Regional Transit Funding — A total of 15 different options, from regional taxes to longer toll hours on Interstate 66, are on the table as local leaders aim to find dedicated revenue streams to fund the area’s transit network. A consultant for the legislative subcommittee looking into the issue will put dollar figures to each of those options next year, with final decisions likely in 2026. [FFXnow]
Smart Home Open House — Alarm.com will host a free holiday open house at its Smart Home Demonstration Center in Falls Church, at 111 Pennsylvania Avenue, this Thursday from 5-7 p.m. The event is open to the public and will showcase the company’s latest home security technology alongside holiday activities including visits with Santa, complimentary treats, and a donation drive benefiting Northern Virginia Family Service.
It’s Tuesday — There’s a chance of rain in the afternoon, with otherwise cloudy skies and a high around 61. Tuesday night brings rain, potentially heavy, a low of 55, south winds at 7-10 mph, and a 100% chance of precipitation; new rainfall may reach up to three quarters of an inch. [NWS]
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 — Dec 9, 2024.
Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
Expect a slim chance of rain after 1pm, cloudy skies, and a high around 61 with calm winds picking up to 5-7 mph from the south later in the day; 20% probability of precipitation. Tuesday night brings rain, potentially heavy, a low of 55, south winds at 7-10 mph, and a 100% chance of precipitation; new rainfall may reach up to three quarters of an inch. See more from Weather.gov.
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.”
– Albert Camus
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.
