James J. Laraia - a Wheaton, US Family Law Lawyer

Wheaton Family Law Lawyer

Updated: 03/10/2026

Areas of Practice

Family Law
Divorce
Property and Asset Division
Parenting Time
Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
Child Support
Spousal Maintenance
Complex and High Asset Divorce
Post Judgment Enforcement and Modifications
Adoption
Guardianships
Parentage and Paternity
Domestic Violence and Orders Protection
Civil Litigation
Business Litigation
Estate & Probate Litigation
Personal Injury Defense
Real Estate
Estate Planning

Attorney Information

Overview

James J. Laraia is an energetic, well-rounded attorney with knowledge and experience in a wide range of practice areas, including family law, civil litigation, and criminal matters. He routinely practices in DuPage, Kane, Will, and Kendall counties. After obtaining his B.A. from Illinois Benedictine College in 1997, Mr. Laraia went on to earn his Juris Doctor Degree from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2001. Mr. Laraia began his legal career working for the DuPage County State's Attorney, first as a clerk and then as an Assistant State's Attorney. He later went into private practice in 2003 where he focuses his practice in family law and civil litigation and has experience handling matrimonial law, child custody and child support issues, post-decree petitions, adoptions, and parentage cases. He also handles complex civil matters in the areas of consumer fraud defense, contract litigation, estate litigation, appellate practice, orders of protection, business law, and drafting simple wills and children's trusts. Mr. Laraia's wide range and experience in many different areas of law is an asset his clients can depend on in analyzing their matter and providing options for achievable outcomes.

Awards and Honors

Honors

DCBA Board of Directors Award, 2018-2019
Leading Lawyer, Peer Selected

Education

Legal Education
- Northern Illinois University College of Law, DeKalb, Illinois, 2001
  Juris Doctor
Non Legal Education
- Illinois Benedictine College, 1997
  B.A.

Current Employment Position(s)

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Laraia & Whitty PC, Attorney/Partner
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Past Positions

Private Practice from 2003 to present - Laraia & Whitty, P.C., being named Partner in 2009
Assistant State's Attorney, DuPage County, Wheaton, Illinois, 2002-2003 - Criminal Prosecutor, Traffic and Misdemeanor Division
Law Clerk - DuPage County State's Attorney's Office, Wheaton, Illinois, 2000-2001

Bar Admissions

Illinois
U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois

Other Affiliations

Illinois State Bar Association, Assembly Member
DuPage County Bar Association, Associate General Counsel, (2019-2020), President (2015-2016), Former 2nd Vice President, Assistant Treasurer, (2008-2010), Entertainment Committee, Chairman and past Vice Chairman, Memorial Committee Chair, Member and Past Chair of The Trial Advocacy Committee
Kane County Bar Association
DuPage County Justinian Society of Lawyers, Past President, Comptroller, and Member
DuPage County Judiciary Committee, Past Chair and Long Standing Board Member
Northern Illinois University College of Law Justinian Society, Past Vice-President and founding member
DuPage County Inns of Court, Past President
DCBA Board of Directors Award, (2018-2019)
Leading Lawyer, Peer Selected

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Contact

Wheaton, IL

1761 S. Naperville Rd.
Suite 201
Wheaton, IL 60189

Directions

Phone: (630)228-9984

Fax: (630) 690-0196

Email: Send a message

Websites:

Free Consultations
Virtual Appointments

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James J. Laraia - Wheaton, IL