A 2,300-mile trek by Buddhist monks advocating for unity and compassion will soon enter Fairfax County.
The Walk for Peace is currently scheduled to arrive in Lorton at Richmond Highway and Furnace Road on Sunday (Feb. 8) around 8 a.m., according to the Fairfax County Police Department, which will provide an escort for the pilgrimage while it’s in the county’s borders.
The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are officially underway in Italy, with the opening ceremony unfolding this afternoon (Friday).
For Fairfax County viewers, eyes will be particularly fixed in the coming days on two local athletes: figure skater Ilia Malinin — a 2023 Marshall High graduate who still lives in Vienna and trains at Reston’s SkateQuest — and speedskater Brandon Kim, a 2020 Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology making his Olympic debut.
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
Two juveniles have been arrested in connection to the shooting of a man in Springfield earlier this afternoon (Friday).
The two suspects were taken into custody less than a mile away from the 7600 block of Cork Glen Way, where the shooting was reported, just after 2 p.m.
One man was killed in a multi-vehicle crash this afternoon (Friday) after striking a police cruiser stopped at a traffic light in Braddock.
The 57-year-old man was driving east in a Toyota Camry when he struck the Fairfax County Police Department vehicle around 1:09 p.m. at the intersection of Braddock Road and Prestwick Drive, police 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.
After a couple days where temperatures ticked above freezing, the D.C. region will see a return of the frigid weather responsible for the “snowcrete” still piled up on many sidewalks and roadways.
The National Weather Service has issued Extreme Cold and High Wind warnings for the region, including Fairfax County, that are scheduled to take effect at 4 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday).
After a hectic week at work, getting your nails done by a professional — whether it’s a basic trim or a full manicure and pedicure — can feel like a treat, and Fairfax County has a wide array of salons ready to oblige.
Here are the nominees for “Best Nail Salon in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. See your favorite salon below? If not, write them in!
Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20.
Voting for the Best Hair Salon in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, Feb. 13 at 8:30 a.m.
Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Urgent Care in Fairfax. The results are now official:
Virginia Democrats released their long-awaited redistricting proposal yesterday (Thursday) in a bid to expand the party’s presence in Congress while countering similar gerrymandering attempts by Republicans.
Party leaders rolled out a map that’s projected to give Democrats an advantage in 10 of Virginia’s 11 Congressional districts, and as expected, much of that comes at the expense of Northern Virginia — the bluest part of the state.
A McLean man faces 30 years in prison after being convicted on charges related to his operation of a Ponzi scheme centered on the buying and selling of precious metals.
Warith Deen Muhammad, 39, was convicted in federal court on Wednesday (Feb. 4), less than four months after being arrested for his role in the scheme that netted him $1.5 million between November 2021 and June 2023.
King Arthur Baking Company is cooking up a longer-than-anticipated stay at Fairfax Corner.
After previously announcing that it would close at the end of January 2026, the baking supply business now says it will continue operating its pop-up shop at 11948 Grand Commons Avenue through June.
