Are you searching for a super cute, super silly and super fast friend?
Meet Leo, an adventurous gerbil up for adoption through the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. Leo is currently in foster.
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Arlington County police are conducting a death investigation along Langston Blvd, near Rosslyn.
A body was found in a wooded area late Sunday afternoon. Officers remain on scene today, collecting and documenting evidence. There’s no word yet on whether police consider the death to be suspicious.
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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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The Arlington County Board is considering whether to authorize county-run firearm buyback events.
Buybacks would provide residents with cash, gift cards, vouchers or other payment in exchange for guns, according to a proposed ordinance. The voluntary events would be open to residents of Arlington and Falls Church.
For Five Coffee Roasters’ Rosslyn location was already bustling with activity just hours after opening its doors for the first time on Friday.
“I’m so excited!” customer Laura Durie exclaimed to a companion as she looked at the coffee shop’s menu. “Look, they have an omelet!”
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.
CoStar May Sell New HQ — “Andy Florance, the real estate data giant’s CEO, told analysts Tuesday that CoStar is likely to sell Rosslyn’s Central Place tower, but to remain there — like it did with its D.C. headquarters 13 years ago. CoStar acquired the 550,000-square-foot office portion of Central Place, 1201 Wilson Blvd., from JBG Smith Properties last week for roughly $325 million.” [Washington Business Journal]
Stolen Car Bust on Video — From Dave Statter: “This was the scene at S. 23rd St. & Crystal Dr. at 8:15 p.m. It appears @ArlingtonVaPD officers were sitting on a parked stolen car and moved in with guns drawn after four people got into the vehicle. While some bystanders ran to get out of the way others got closer to get video.” [Twitter]
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Many standout high-school swimmers eventually settle on a favorite type of stroke they prefer in competition.Not Eli Martin.
As his Washington-Liberty High School coach Kristina Dorville explains, the senior is more of a “Mr. Everything.”
Good Friday 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 23, 2024.
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The Arlington County Board and the Human Rights Commission are at odds over whether commissioners had the right to request an investigation into possible human and civil rights violations at the county jail.
Earlier this month, the commission sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, voicing concerns over reports that inmates at the jail lack adequate healthcare, a situation they argue could put them “at risk of death and severe harm.” This follows up on letters to the County Sheriff’s Office and the DOJ from the Arlington branch of the NAACP and its national organization, asking for an investigation after hearing from former and current inmates.
Rep. Don Beyer is taking a leading role in Congress to address what he says is one of the most pressing issues this century: the regulation of artificial intelligence.
This year, Beyer (D-Va.) and a bipartisan group of colleagues intend to tackle a variety of AI-related issues, including the creation of deep fakes, copyright infringement and enhancing privacy protections.