An Arlington firefighter noted for his problem-solving ability, passion for the community and conspicuous moustache has received statewide recognition.
Lieutenant Henry Spencer was just named Virginia Firefighter of the Year, the Arlington County Fire Department announced today.
The Arlington County Board is considering a potential property tax hike that could be even higher than what County Manager Mark Schwartz proposed.
Board members yesterday (Tuesday) voted 5-0 to advertise hearings on a maximum property tax rate of $1.038 per $100 of assessed value, a 2.5 cent increase from 2023. That is 1 cent higher than the increase of 1.5 cents that Schwartz proposed in his $1.62 billion budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025.
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
When Carrie Lombardi left her New York City finance job to teach at Burgundy Farm Country Day School, she was surprised to hear clucking from a colleague’s classroom one day.
The students, she learned, were raising chickens as part of their science curriculum.
Pizza Roma in Ballston has closed, making way for a new fast-casual Italian eatery called Scolapasta.
ARLnow received a tip last week that the longstanding pizzeria at 4219 N. Fairfax Drive — in operation for at least 15 years — had shut its doors, with “Coming Soon” signs for Scolapasta now gracing the windows. This week, the sign for “Pizza Roma” was also gone.
*Mamistad Groups meet IN PERSON-only the introductory Zoom call is virtual. :)
Pregnancy and new mom groups are a lifesaver when it comes to normalizing those feelings we just can’t be prepared for.
Body Found in Ballston Home — “The new owners of a property in Arlington County, Virginia, found human remains during a walk-through Monday afternoon, police say. Officers were called to ‘suspicious circumstances’ in the 1300 block of N. Taylor Street at about 4:50 p.m., according to Arlington County police. The property is located in the Ballston area. The medical examiner is working to identify the person and determine how they died.” [NBC 4, Fox 5]
Local GOPers Blasts Alexandria Arena — “As Republican leaders in Northern Virginia, we are deeply disappointed by Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin’s proposal to commit nearly $1.5 billion in state funds to subsidize billionaire Ted Leonsis’ relocation of the Washington Capitals and Wizards to Potomac Yard. As residents living just a few miles from the proposed stadium site in Alexandria, our concerns about the project are also profoundly personal.” [Substack, ALXnow]
Good Tuesday 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 — Feb 27, 2024.
A Woodbridge man is facing a litany of charges after an attempt to flee from police ended in a crash with injuries.
Arlington County police say the 26-year-old was driving drunk around 11 p.m. last night when an officer tried to pull him over for erratic driving. The suspect drove off, according to police, and soon crashed into another vehicle at the intersection of Columbia Pike and S. Scott Street.
It’s going to be a windy Wednesday night.
The National Weather Service just issued a Wind Advisory for Arlington and other parts of the Washington region. It’s set to take effect at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
There’s more evidence that Arlington is an expensive place to live.
The county has moved to No. 7 on a list of the priciest rental markets in the country, up from No. 10 last year.
