
Peter A. Arntson, Estate Planning Attorney in Fairfax, Virginia
Over 61 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Retired PartneratMcCandlish & Lillard, P.C.
Fairfax, VA
Practicing estate planning in Fairfax since 1965.
- 61+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Peter A. Arntson?
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Quick answer
Peter A. Arntson is a retired partner based in Fairfax, VA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax. Peter has over 61 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McCandlish & Lillard, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Fairfax, VA
- Experience
- over 61 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Probate · Tax
- Handles Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax matters from Fairfax, VA.
- Over 61 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Peter A. Arntson: Peter A. Arntson is a retired partner based in Fairfax, VA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax. Peter has over 61 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McCandlish & Lillard, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Peter takes on
Peter concentrates on estate planning, probate, tax, trusts, and wills. Each area below outlines the kind of case Peter handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Probate
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Tax
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Trusts
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Wills
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Estate Planning cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Peter takes estate planning matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Peter agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Peter takes probate matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Peter agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Peter takes tax matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Peter agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Peter takes trusts matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Peter agrees to represent you.
Wills cases in Fairfax, Virginia
Peter takes wills matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Peter agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Peter A. Arntson — estate planning lawyer in Fairfax
Peter A. Arntson is a retired partner based in Fairfax, VA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Tax. Peter has over 61 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McCandlish & Lillard, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Peter A. Arntson is a lawyer practicing trusts and estates, wills, probate and 3 other areas of law. Peter received a B.A. degree from University of Virginia in 1960, and has been licensed for 61 years. Peter practices at McCandlish & Lillard, P.C. in Fairfax, VA.
How Peter handles estate planning matters
Peter A. Arntson is a lawyer practicing trusts and estates, wills, probate and 3 other areas of law. Peter received a B.A. degree from University of Virginia in 1960, and has been licensed for 61 years. Peter practices at McCandlish & Lillard, P.C. in Fairfax, VA.
The kind of cases Peter takes
Peter reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, probate, and tax matters in Fairfax and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Virginia
J.D. Georgetown · 1965
University of Virginia
B.A. History · 1960
Jurisdictions
Peter's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1973 · ACTIVE
U.S. Tax Court
1972 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1965 · ACTIVE
Peter studied at J.D. Georgetown in University of Virginia and B.A. History in University of Virginia.
Law school and academic background
Peter completed J.D. Georgetown in University of Virginia and B.A. History in University of Virginia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Peter runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Peter has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Peter's professional memberships and bar associations
Fairfax, Virginia and American Bar Associations Virginia State Bar
Chairman, Tax Section, 1978-1979 · membership
Locations
Peter A. Arntson's office in Fairfax
Peter's primary office is at 11350 Random Hills Road, Suite 500, Fairfax, VA, 22030-7421. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
McCandlish & Lillard, P.C.
11350 Random Hills Road, Suite 500
Fairfax, VA 22030-7421
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Peter A. Arntson — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Peter. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Fairfax.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Peter A. Arntson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Peter A. Arntson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Peter usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Peter charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Peter's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Peter will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Fairfax, Virginia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Peter
Peter discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Peter confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Peter's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Peter A. Arntson
How much does it cost to hire Peter for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Peter walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Peter offer a free consultation?
Peter charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Peter's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Peter's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Peter gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Peter take my case if I'm outside Fairfax?
Peter is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Peter will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Peter?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Peter will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Peter accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Peter's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving Fairfax, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia
Peter handles estate planning matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated estate planning attorneys in Virginia
If Peter's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Fairfax handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





