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Cheryl Powell

Cheryl Powell

Lawyer-Mediator-Guardian ad Litem at the Law Office of Cheryl A. Powell.
  • Family Law, Divorce, Domestic Violence ...
  • Illinois
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Biography

I have been practicing law since 1988. I have served as a legal services attorney representing clients in orders of protection, divorce, and parentage matters. Next I served as a public defender for 4 years, handling criminal law, juvenile law and mental health commitment cases. I have been in private practice on my own since 1999 representing people in a variety of cases, mostly family law, juvenile law, criminal law, guardianships, powers of attorney and wills. I do a smattering of other things in general. I also hold a master's degree in social work, so I understand mental health problems that are invariably involved in these matters.

Practice Areas
    Family Law
    Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
    Divorce
    Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
    Domestic Violence
    Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights
    Criminal Law
    Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
    Juvenile Law
    Probate
    Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
    Collections
    Landlord Tenant
    Evictions
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Credit Cards Accepted
    I accept all major credit cards, including MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover.
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    My consultations are generally $75 for up to one-half hour and $275 per hour after that.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Illinois
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U.S. Supreme Court
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Attorney/Solo Practitioner
Law office of Cheryl A. Powell
- Current
Represent clients in a variety of matters, including those listed plus guardianships, wills and powers of attorney.
Assistant public defender
Marion County
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Handled criminal law cases, including a murder case. Also handled juvenile cases, including abuse, neglect and delinquency; as well as mental health cases.
Associate
Douglas A. Antonik
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Represented numerous clients in family law cases.
Family Law Task Force Coordinator
Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance
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Supervised 40 lawyers in their handling of family law cases.
Education
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
M.S. (1996) | Social work
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Northern Illinois University
J.D. | Law
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Northern Illinois University Logo
Northern Illinois University
B.A. (1983) | Political Science, Public Administration; with a Minor in Sociology
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Honors: Pi Sigma Alpha, honor society
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College of Lake County
A.S. (1982) | Business Administration
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Awards
Service to Miliary
Illinois State Bar Association
Professional Associations
Illinois State Bar
Member
- Current
Activities: Family Law Section Council, Criminal Justice Section Council
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Jefferson county bar assn
Member
- Current
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Marion County Bar Assn
Member
- Current
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Certifications
Approved mediator
4th judicial circuit
Approved guardian ad litem
20th judicial circuit
Approved mediator
20th judicial circuit
Approved guardian ad litem
2nd judicial circuit
Approved mediator
2nd judicial circuit
Approved guardian ad litem
4th judicial circuit
Websites & Blogs
Website
Legal Answers
672 Questions Answered
Q. Can my sister (POA of my 92yo mother in a nursing home) get an order of protection to prevent my visits with her?
A: File a Motion for Accounting of your Mother's Assets. Maybe you can find that she has misused your Mother's money. Then you have a basis to have her removed as POA and may be able to file for guardianship.

It is possible that an Order of Protection could be sought. Talk to a lawyer about your concerns.
Q. How can I go after someone for committing identity fraud (defrauding thousands) to my father (who's in prison)?
A: Identity fraud is a crime. Report it to the police.
Q. How long will I sit in jail if I can’t post bail for child support
A: The maximum sentence for contempt of court under these circumstances is generally 6 mos.
View More Answers
Contact & Map
407 S. 27th Street, Suite B
Mt Vernon, IL 62864
Telephone: (618) 246-9370
Fax: (618) 244-5919