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Christine S. Janis

Christine S. Janis

Senior Associate Attorney, Arteaga Law, LLC
  • Family Law, Divorce, Estate Planning ...
  • Illinois
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Biography

Christine’s focus as an attorney is on helping her clients through the most difficult situations life offers. Whether her clients are facing criminal charges, the end of a marriage, issues related to children, or end of life concerns, Christine’s passion for helping them through these issues is evident through her honesty, patience, and ability to make even the most complex legal issues make sense to her clients.

Christine attended the Northern Illinois University College of Law, where she graduated cum laude with Juris Doctorate degree. During her tenure at NIU College of Law, she earned a Certificate in Criminal Practice. She also served as an intern for the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Criminal, Misdemeanor and Traffic division, as judicial intern in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit of DuPage County, and as a summer law clerk for the Honorable Michael Burke, former justice with the Second Appellate District.

Prior to law school, Christine earned a B.A. and M.A. from NIU, where she taught in the Sociology Department for 15 years. Christine continues to maintain close ties with NIU, serving as a member of the NIU College of Law Alumni Council and continuing to volunteer for law school writing classes and mock trial competitions. Outside of the courtroom, Christine is a self-proclaimed foodie and wanderer who enjoys traveling, experimenting with new and exciting cuisines, and spending time with family and friends. She is also passionate about animals and is an active supporter of several local animal shelters and rescue organizations.

Education
Northern Illinois University College of Law
J.D. (2016) | Law
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Honors: Dean's List, graduated cum laude
Activities: Trial Advocacy Society Phi Alpha Delta
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Northern Illinois University
M.A. (2003) | Sociology/Criminology
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Honors: Dean's List Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honor Society
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Northern Illinois University
B.A. (1994) | English Education/History
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Honors: Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society
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Professional Experience
Senior Associate Attorney
Arteaga Law, LLC
- Current
Associate Attorney
Mulyk Laho Law, LLC
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Associate Attorney
Castlebrook Law, P.C.
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Associate Attorney
Van Der Snick Law Firm, Ltd.
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711 Intern
Kane County State's Attorney
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Certifications
Certificate in Criminal Practice
Northern Illinois University College of Law
Awards
Mentor of the Year
Northern Illinois University College of Law
Professional Associations
Kendall County Bar Association
Member
- Current
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State Bar of Illinois  # 6324104
Member
- Current
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Phi Alpha Delta West Suburban Illinois Alumni Chapter
Member
- Current
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Illinois State Bar Association
Member
- Current
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DuPage County Bar Association
Member
- Current
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Kane County Bar Association
Member
-
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DeKalb County Bar Association
Member
-
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American Bar Association
Member
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Illinois
Supreme Court of Illinois
ID Number: 6324104
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Fees
  • Free Consultation
    We offer free 30-minute consultations for all cases in person, via Zoom or over the phone (60 minutes for Estate Planning consultations.
  • Credit Cards Accepted
    We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards.
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Fees are based on the nature of the case and the anticipated complexity of the legal issues to be addressed. Please contact our office for more information.
Practice Areas
Family Law
Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
Divorce
Collaborative Law, Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
Estate Planning
Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
Traffic Tickets
Suspended License
Probate
Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
DUI & DWI
Criminal Law
Drug Crimes, Expungement, Theft
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Spanish: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
Q. I have been married for three years and six months. . .am I obligated to paying alimony to my spouse upon divorce?
A: The easy answer to your question is "maybe." Whether or not you are obligated to pay alimony - now called "maintenance" - depends on a number of factors, including not only how long you have been married, but who is the primary earner and amount of your respective incomes. And you and your spouse can always agree to waive maintenance as a part of a settlement deal. While there are always exceptions to the rule, the "good" news is that with a marriage as short as yours, if you ARE obligated to pay maintenance and your spouse is unwilling to waive it, the duration of your obligation to pay should be relatively short.
Q. For violation of 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2, the Statute says a max $75 fine for 1st offense, but way is online charging $164?
A: In traffic cases, there are court fees and costs that are added to your fines. These will vary from county to county and include the costs of court administration and in some counties, "contributions" to certain funds and endowments. Unfortunately, these are mandatory and will not be waived by the court.
Q. I filed a petition for divorce and summons. Respondent was served by the sheriff. An answer was filed by the Responden.
A: So long as the Respondent filed his Answer with the court after being served, the court would be unlikely to approve a default judgment against them unless they took no other action moving forward in this case. While the failure to provide a copy of the Answer to you is something you could (and should!) bring up with the court, it is not grounds for a default. In this instance, rather than filing a motion with the court, the better route would be to bring up the failure to provide the document to you at your next court appearance so the court can admonish the Respondent to serve you with copies of all documents moving forward. Motions - while appropriate in some situations - will ultimately delay the divorce process, and motions regarding issues that can be resolved more efficiently are generally frowned upon by the courts. ... Read More
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Websites & Blogs
Website
Blog
Arteaga Law, LLC
Contact & Map
Arteaga Law, LLC
200 N. Northwest Highway
Suite 201
Barrington, IL 60010
Telephone: (224) 655-7179
Cell: (630) 524-3019
Monday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Notice: Business hours are by appointment. We are willing to travel to meet with potential clients.