Around Town

(Updated at 12:30 p.m.) A new burger restaurant featuring “contactless” food lockers is opening in Cherrydale this Saturday.

Burger Billy’s Joint is attempting to make fast food a little faster at 3800 Langston Blvd with a grab-and-go concept. Customers will order ahead or punch in their orders at the restaurant’s kiosks before retrieving their food from heated lockers.


Around Town

An intentionally “weird” shop specializing in international snacks, sodas and oddities has closed.

Highs & Lows’ location at the Pentagon City mall shuttered several weeks ago, a mall representative told ARLnow.


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

County Statement on Drag Show Threat — “Arlington County and the County Board unequivocally support the LGBTQ+ community. ACPD’s swift response ensured the safety of patrons and staff, and the fortitude of Freddie and drag queen Tara Hoot allowed the show to go on… expressions of hatred and bigotry have absolutely no place in our community, and the Arlington County Board condemns these threats of violence and attempted intimidation of our community.” [Arlington County]

Eid Off for APS Students — Arlington Public Schools students are off today due to the Eid al-Fitr holiday. [Arlington Public Schools]


Event

Join the Rosslyn BID and Arlington Arts at the 34th Rosslyn Jazz Fest 2026 featuring live jazz, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly activities in the heart of Rosslyn! This year’s lineup is bringing a diverse mix of performers and bands redefining the jazz music genre including Plena Libre, Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars, Parlor Greens, and Dogo du Togo & the Alagaa Beat Band.


News

Community input on a planned redesign of Rosslyn’s Gateway Park is kicking off this week.

The county is inviting locals to share their thoughts on the future of the park at 1300 Langston Blvd during an open house on Thursday evening.


Events

Easter was more than a week ago but an Easter-themed race is set for this weekend, bringing with it some road closures.

The Bunny Hop 5K Race is set to kick off Saturday, April 13 at the Clarendon United Methodist Church at 606 N. Irving Street, starting at 8 a.m. Runners, recreational joggers, and casual walkers alike will participate in the event to raise funds for charity.


News

A woman intentionally struck another woman with her car in a Clarendon parking garage yesterday during a dispute, police say.

The incident happened around noon on the 3000 block of Washington Blvd. Police say the suspect and victim “became engaged in a dispute regarding driving.”