We’re two days away from Halloween and for some — mostly newcomers — there may be questions about the local trick-or-treating customs in Arlington.
Unlike some places in other parts of the country, Arlington does not designate an official day and time for trick-or-treating. Instead, the annual, costumed candy-gathering spree takes place on Halloween — Thursday, Oct. 31 this year — and starts shortly before sunset.
As fall colors sweep across the D.C. area, Arlington leaf collection season begins in two weeks.
Crews are expected to begin passing through Arlington neighborhoods starting Monday, Nov. 11, according to a tentative schedule. Residents are encouraged to rake leaves to the curb the weekend before their civic association’s posted start date.
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
Falls Church’s new-in-2024 police chief wants one of his eventual legacies to be safety improvements that benefit the drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists who share the city’s roads.
“I’ve made it a priority — we have stepped up enforcement,” Shahram Fard told City Council members Monday night (Oct. 28). “I take traffic safety very, very seriously.”
Here in Arlington, real estate is a spectator sport. Let’s take a look at some of the smallest and largest homes sold last month (September 2024).
Largest homes sold
Live standup comedy in Arlington on Friday July 31 starring Jim Bryan, Kim Villamera, and Greg Billet.
Friday, July 31, 2026
Two people were hurt and a car was damaged as a result of an after-school fight in the Ballston area yesterday.
The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Washington Blvd and N. Stafford Street, near the Washington-Liberty High School football field. It was categorized by police as an “assault by mob.”
Arlington County police had a busy morning of crashes and other vehicular issues today (Tuesday).
Around 8:30 a.m. police responded to a reported two-vehicle crash on N. Carlin Springs Road at N. Greenbrier Street, which left an SUV overturned on its roof and the northbound lanes of the roadway blocked during the morning commute.
We’re a week away from the Nov. 5 election and the culmination of a historic presidential race.
While states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin get the most attention as campaign battlegrounds, Virginia has also traditionally been considered a battleground state. In recent years, though, it has mostly voted Democratic in presidential contests.
This time around, Vice President Kamala Harris (D) is leading former president Donald Trump (R) in polls. According to a RealClearPolitics poll average, Harris has a nearly 6 percentage point advantage over the former president in the Commonwealth.
But that’s not stopping a bit of hopeful rhetoric from the Arlington GOP, which has been saying on social media that Trump — who is currently polling ahead in most other battleground states — has a “damn good chance” to win Virginia.
Given the current polling, what you’re seeing on the ground, and other factors, who do you think will win here next week?
Arlington’s two county-government-operated nature centers will see their operating days doubled in two weeks.
The county’s Department of Parks and Recreation has announced plans for Long Branch and Gulf Branch nature centers to be open six days a week for the winter season, starting on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Another Ballston Robbery — The next day after an alleged armed robbery at a 7-Eleven in Ballston that resulted in disruptions to Metro service: “At approximately 7:17 p.m. on October 26… the male suspect entered the business, concealed merchandise and attempted to exit the business without payment. When confronted by an employee, the suspect made threatening statements towards the employee before fleeing the scene on foot with the stolen merchandise… officers located the suspect in the Ballston Metro and took him into custody.” [ACPD]
New Mural at Mall — “There is a beautiful Pentagon City-inspired mural being painted at @FashionCtrPC, along the walkway from the food court to the parking garage.” [Twitter]
Coffee Stand’s Story — “It has not been a rags-to-riches trajectory for Skyler Kelley. True, her startup business, Brij Coffee, has been buzzing ever since its debut last year just down the street from Amazon’s gleaming HQ2… But Kelley’s mission isn’t simply to keep customers happily caffeinated. Her ultimate goal is to use the business to help end homelessness.” [Arlington Magazine]
Kaine Early Voting Event — Sen. Tim Kaine, who is seeking reelection, will visit Arlington today to encourage early voting ahead of the November 5 general election. Kaine is scheduled to appear at Walter Reed Recreation Center (2909 16th Street S.) at 1:30 p.m. before heading to another nearby early voting event at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library at 5 p.m.
Forward Party Election Night Party — The Forward Party, which is supporting Madison Granger for Arlington County Board and James “Vell” Rives IV for School Board, will host an election-night watch party next Tuesday (Nov. 5) after polls close at 7 p.m. at Ireland’s Four Courts, 2051 Wilson Blvd, in support of its candidates for office in Arlington and for the Alexandria City Council. –Scott McCaffrey
Pumpkin Pumpkin Everywhere — “It’s time for everyone’s favorite fall flavor. Pumpkin spice and all things nice are popping up on menus all over town. From breakfast and coffee to ice cream or cocktails, here’s the lowdown on where to find inventive concoctions featuring that distinctly autumnal spice combo.” [Arlington Magazine]
It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly sunny skies, a high temperature near 70°F, and a south wind of 3 to 8 mph during the day. At night, anticipate partly cloudy conditions and a low temperature around 53°F. [NWS]
