News

Between two and four inches of snow and icy conditions are expected Sunday in and around Alexandria.

A National Weather Service Winter Weather Advisory is in effect in Alexandria from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.


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Many people who look into estate planning ask, “What is the difference between wills and trusts?” While both wills and trusts deal with estate planning, they serve different purposes. In this post, the legal team of PJI Law, PLC, estate planning lawyers from Fairfax, VA, outline the key principles of wills, trusts, and their role in asset protection.

Wills and Trusts in a Nutshell

Here are the basic features of wills and trusts:

A Will

  • Only comes into effect once the will maker is deceased
  • States who will receive the decedent’s assets
  • Appoints an executor to carry out the decedent’s wishes
  • Is potentially contestable and must go through probate, a legal examination by the court

A Trust

  • Can take effect immediately after its creation
  • Allows a person or an institution (a “trustee”) to hold assets for beneficiaries
  • Can distribute property before or after the trustor’s passing
  • Can be irrevocable or revocable/changeable
  • Assets in trust generally avoid probate

While we recommend that everyone have at least a will (whether or not you also have a trust), trusts aren’t strictly necessary for all individuals. Trusts are particularly helpful for individuals who have assets that are potentially going through probate, own property across several states, or have minor children.

Wills: the Basics of Estate Planning

A will, also known as a last will and testament, is a legal document specifying how the will maker wishes to handle asset distribution and other affairs after their death. A will typically includes all of the principal’s assets, such as real estate, vehicles, and other property, and usually a list of debts. A will may also provide directions for a funeral or memorial service.

Usually, every will must go through a probate court before execution. In some states, it may be possible to avoid probate under specific conditions. Certain assets, such as insurance policies and retirement accounts, may, if planned properly, pass directly to named beneficiaries without probate. (more…)


News

Earlier this week, the Alexandria Police Department arrested a man on an outstanding warrant from Arlington after he allegedly brandished a weapon at the King Street Metro station.

On Wednesday around 5 p.m., scanner traffic noted reports came in that a man had pulled out a gun at the station, though later review of video footage found that he had pulled out a knife.


News

After reverting to virtual learning two days before winter break due to multiple fights, Alexandria City High School fully reopened with extra security guards and new safety measures at both high school campuses.

The additions include extra security guards at the ACHS King Street and Minnie Howard campuses, new security protocols at weapons screenings, more hallway monitoring, security duty stations in high-traffic areas and increased lunch supervision, according to an email from the Alexandria City Public Schools to ALXnow.


News

Good Friday morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: Expect sunny skies and a high near 40 degrees, with west winds at 5 to 8 mph shifting to the south in the afternoon. Come Friday night, clouds will increase, bringing a low around 30 degrees, accompanied by a south wind at 5 to 8 mph.


News

Among the tributes pouring in for acclaimed director David Lynch, who died yesterday, there’s one title even locals may not have known: Alexandrian.

While David Lynch was born in Montana, his family moved to Alexandria when he was 15 and Lynch eventually graduated from Francis C. Hammond High School.


News

Alexandria is forecast to get a light dusting of snow, according to the National Weather Service, but the City of Alexandria put out an alert warning that it could be enough to affect commuters.

“The National Weather Service has advised that snow is likely Thursday, January 16 through the early evening and may impact the evening commute,” the release said. “Visibility may be reduced, and snowfall may be present on roadways between 5 and 8 p.m. Our area will most likely see a light dusting of snow, but accumulation may be up to 0.5 inches.”


News

Alexandria’s Planning Commission endorsed a new pilot program (docket item 4) that will allow on-street vending in designated spaces on Mount Vernon Avenue as consistent with the city’s master plan.

The one-year pilot will allow limited vending on the 3800 block of Mount Vernon Avenue. Vendors are allowed to sell whole, uncut produce and a limited number of small, non-food items in on-street spaces.


News

Looking to make the most of your weekend in Alexandria? Whether you’re into live music, hands-on workshops, or a cozy night with a staged reading, this weekend has something for everyone. 

Of course, sports fans may be watching the NFL Divisional Playoff matchup at 8 p.m. on Saturday as the Washington Commanders take on the Detroit Lions.