Oakton’s public library could soon bear the name of one of the most vocal advocates for its construction.
A request to rename the library in honor of the late Gerry Connolly has been submitted to the Fairfax County Public Library Board of Trustees by two members of the county’s Board of Supervisors: Chairman Jeff McKay and Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik.
The show will go on at 1st Stage, even as the professional Tysons theater mourns the loss of one of its actors and board members.
William T. Newman Jr. died at his home on Feb. 10, leaving behind a storied legacy as both a civic leader and judge in Arlington and a thespian on both stage and screen.
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
Most Fairfax County residents woke up this morning (Monday) to a wintry landscape, but the amount of snow they saw varied depending on exactly where in the county they live.
Snow accumulations from the storm that arrived in the D.C. region yesterday (Sunday) afternoon ranged from a mere inch in the Mount Vernon area to 4.5 inches in Reston, the highest amount recorded in the county, according to preliminary data from the National Weather Service.
A Mantua man was shot and killed today (Monday) by Fairfax County police officers after he allegedly stabbed three family members, including his daughter and wife.
Both the man’s daughter and wife have died as a result of the injuries they sustained in the attack, which occurred shortly after 5 a.m. in the 3900 block of Persimmon Circle, the Fairfax County Police Department said.
*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.
A former White House attorney during President Donald Trump’s first term has been charged after police say he attacked an opponent during a pick-up hockey game in Springfield.
Christopher Koehler Grieco first struck the victim in the head with his hockey stick, knocking him to the ground, before he “continued the assault,” according to a criminal complaint filed in Fairfax County General District Court.
Residents have started to return to the Centreville neighborhood that was evacuated last week after a gas leak fueled an explosion and fire that consumed one home.
As of noon yesterday (Sunday), Washington Gas has restored service to 44 homes determined to be clear for re-entry, 42 of which have seen occupants return, the utility said in an afternoon update.
County Government Closed by Weather — “Fairfax County Government offices are closed Monday, Feb. 23. Emergency administrative leave is granted for county employees not designated as emergency personnel. Emergency personnel should report as scheduled.” Courts and libraries are closed, and Fairfax Connector will provide holiday weekday service levels. [Fairfax County Emergency Information]
Street Race Closes McLean Intersection — An apparent street race led police to shut down the intersection of Georgetown Pike and Dolley Madison Blvd in McLean early yesterday (Sunday) morning. While a pedestrian was initially believed to have been struck by one of the drivers, no injuries were ultimately reported. [DMV Live/X]
U.S. Attorney Hired, Then Fired — “The federal judges in the Eastern District of Virginia unanimously appointed longtime litigator James W. Hundley to serve as interim U.S. attorney on Friday, and the Justice Department almost immediately fired him, continuing a clash over control of one of the country’s highest-profile prosecutor’s offices.” A former Fairfax County prosecutor, Hundley co-founded the firm Briglia Hundley in Tysons. [Washington Post]
Contractor Signs Reston Station Lease — Amentum, an engineering and technology firm currently based in Chantilly, has signed a lease for 45,000 square feet of office space at Reston Station. The company plans to relocate its headquarters “early next year into 1900 Reston Metro Plaza, a 365K SF glass office tower that also houses Google. The new headquarters will also include a technology showcase for Amentum’s clients.” [Bisnow]
Potomac Spill Raises Environmental Concerns — “The Potomac accident is among the largest sewage spills in U.S. history, and it highlights a chronic problem facing communities around the United States, says Gussie Maguire, Maryland staff scientist at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.” Sewage overflows could increasingly become a challenge, as climate change leads to more intense storms that then strain aging infrastructure. [NPR]
Fairfax Connector Changes Proposed — “Fairfax Connector seeks public comment on proposed service changes for several routes, including routes 401 and 402, which go through Annandale. The changes will be discussed at two virtual meetings on Feb. 24 at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.” If approved, the changes would take effect on June 27. [Annandale Today]
Legislators Weigh A.I. Regulations — “Legislators in Richmond are looking to put some limits on the growth of artificial intelligence, but an executive order from President Donald Trump” threatening to withhold funds for broadband internet expansion from states that impose regulations could stymie changes. Among the bills still under consideration is one from state Sen. Saddam Salim (D-37) that would require disclaimers for political ads that use A.I. [WVTF]
FCPS Hosts Adaptive Baseball Clinic — “The gym at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County, Virginia, was packed Saturday as 25 young athletes with disabilities took part in the school’s first adaptive baseball clinic. The event was hosted by the school’s varsity baseball team and led by Andrew Haydon, a 17-year-old junior who created it.” [WTOP]
New Legal Notice — Clarity is applying for a restaurant alcohol license for its new location at Reston Town Center: wine, beer, mixed; 30-day objections. [Public Notices]
It’s Monday — Snow is likely mainly before 1pm and it will be cloudy with a high temperature around 39°F. Expect a breezy northwest wind of 17 to 20 mph, gusting up to 33 mph, and a 40% chance of precipitation. For Monday night, the sky will transition from mostly cloudy to mostly clear, as the temperature drops to around 23°F. The northwest wind will continue at 14 to 17 mph, gusting as high as 26 mph. [NWS]
After initially planning a two-hour delay, Fairfax County Public Schools has now canceled classes tomorrow (Monday) as snow has begun to accumulate across the D.C. region.
“Due to the worsening weather conditions, and after careful consideration, all FCPS schools and central offices will now be closed Monday, February 23, 2026,” FCPS said in an update issued shortly after 6:20 p.m.
Just when the snow and ice from the last winter storm has mostly cleared, another is making its way toward the D.C. region.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the area, including Fairfax County, starting at 3 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday). The alert is currently scheduled to remain in effect until 10 a.m. Monday (Feb. 23).
