News

Arlington County police responded to several serious incidents over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to the latest ACPD crime report.

A man was stabbed Friday morning at the Apex Apartments on S. Glebe Road. Police arrested a 50-year-old Arlington resident who, they said, knew the victim.


Around Town

O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub in Clarendon is planning to open a new room in a vacant, adjacent storefront.

The business applied for a permit last week for a commercial addition at 3211 Washington Blvd, formerly home to The Spirits of ’76, an Americana-themed bar that closed in fall 2020.


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


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News

Five months after longtime leader Tina Leone stepped away, the Ballston Business Improvement District has named a new chief executive.

Danette Nguyen, formerly of the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC), will helm the organization starting this Thursday, Dec. 5, the organization announced today.


News

Could 2025 be the year Falls Church city leaders decide to allow culling of deer within the community’s 2.2 square miles?

There were hints at a recent meeting that some in top leadership ranks are interested in at least starting a conversation.


News

Plans to build a new apartment building and townhouse development near Columbia Pike have taken a significant step forward.

The Arlington County Board last month approved use permits for two projects, just a few blocks away from each other, with a total of 104 proposed housing units.


News
Dusk as seen from Medstar Capitals Iceplex in Ballston (staff photo)

WaPo Ed. Board Spotlights Arlington — “There are some signs reform is beginning to happen. A YIMBY — yes in my backyard — movement is scoring victories in places such as Arlington, Virginia, where leaders are pushing to cut zoning rules that bar building townhouses, garden apartments and other affordable housing options.” [Washington Post]

More Clarendon Craziness — From Dave Statter: “EMS called to Bar Bao for someone with a cut head a short time ago. Based on all of the calls for injured people at the place it must be very dangerous inside those doors. At the same time, police have gone twice within a few minutes to Angolino’s Pizza for someone who wouldn’t leave.” [Twitter]

Metrobus Changes — “The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) is moving forward with a service-wide redesign of its bus routes, including in a few areas of Northern Virginia, improving where people want to travel and simplifying services by the summer… The proposal… consolidates and streamlines service between Shirlington and South Fairlington.” [Virginia Mercury]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny conditions with a high of around 38 degrees and a northwest wind between 7 and 9 mph. For Monday night, the sky will be mostly clear with temperatures dropping to a low of around 26 degrees while the northwest wind continues at 6 to 8 mph. [NWS]

Today’s Morning Notes are presented by Industrious. As members, we love how their fully-serviced offices let us focus on our work, without sweating the small stuff like coffee runs or printer maintenance. Discover their convenient Metro-accessible Arlington locations and see why ARLnow has called Industrious home for years.


Sports

Its best football season in decades ended for the Washington-Liberty Generals Saturday afternoon (Nov. 30) with a loss in the championship game of the 6D North Region tournament.

The second-seeded and previously undefeated high-school team fell to the host and top seed Madison Warhawks, 48-21, in Vienna. Also undefeated entering the game, Madison improved to 13-0 and won its fifth straight region crown.


Sports

The second annual Braylon Meade Basketball Classic has been expanded to include more varsity high-school teams, both girls and boys.

This year, eight teams will participate in four non-district contests played at Washington-Liberty High School on Saturday, Dec. 14. The W-L and Yorktown High girls and boys teams are among those competing.