News

A sewage leak from an overflowing pipe has prompted a warning avoid contact with a local stream.

“The public is advised to avoid contact with Donaldson Run below N Utah Street due to overflow from a sanitary sewer line,” Arlington County said in an alert this (Wednesday) afternoon. “County staff are investigating.”


News

A 40-year-old Fredericksburg woman is facing multiple charges after police say she damaged a local store and kicked a police officer.

The incident happened around 10:45 p.m. Monday at the 7-Eleven store across from the Ballston Metro station.


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


News

Construction of a new park near Amazon’s HQ2 as well as improvements to sidewalks and bike lanes in the area could begin soon.

Arlington Junction Park is projected to be complete at 1051 S. Eads Street in about 18 months, if the Arlington County Board approves a $2.5 million contract on Saturday. The Board will also consider $2.9 million for two projects to improve S. Eads Street between Army Navy Drive and 15th Street South.


Events

Books, games and puzzles galore will be up for sale at Arlington Central Library in Virginia Square this week.

The 2024 Spring Book Sale, organized by the Friends of the Arlington Public Library, is starting tomorrow at Central Library’s parking garage at 1015 N. Quincy Street and will continue through the weekend. Below is a list of dates and times.


News

HQ2 Workforce Shrinks — “Amazon has fallen so far behind schedule in creating new jobs at its Northern Virginia headquarters that its workforce at those offices shrank last year, the company confirmed… Sullivan said Amazon has not abandoned its target of 25,000 jobs, though a company spokesperson later clarified that it would look to meet that goal by 2038. She called HQ2 ‘a long-term investment’ and noted that there are 1,000 open positions for the campus.” [Washington Post]

Fire Union Seeking Wage Hike — “47 firefighters were unable to go home to their families this past weekend. #ACFD is at critical staffing levels, and the challenges posed by attrition and vacancies have reached historic proportions. It’s time for the County Board to take decisive action.” [Twitter]


News

Bob Romano’s long and successful run as the field manager of Arlington’s American Legion summer baseball team has ended.

Romano coached the team for 13 years. In all, he coached American Legion baseball for 38 seasons, doing so  in Massachusetts from 1987 to 2010 before moving  to Arlington and leading the Post 139 team.


News

Arlington is facing a flood of questions about stormwater management around Lubber Run.

The county postponed a public meeting about potential flood mitigation measures in the watershed, originally scheduled for last Wednesday, “due to staff needing more time to respond to last minute community requests,” Stormwater Outreach Manager Aileen Winquist told ARLnow.