Cheryl Powell

I have been practicing law for over 30 years. 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, domestic violence, guardianships, powers of attorney, wills and landlord-tenant cases. I do a smattering of other things in general. I also hold a Master's degree in Social Work, so I understand the mental health problems that are invariably involved in these matters.

• Free Consultation
  Brief 15 minute consultations to determine if I can help you and determine your retainer fee. If complicated custody matters, I usually charge my regular fee of $300 because it takes longer to determine the level of complications in the case.
• Credit Cards Accepted
  I accept all major credit cards, including MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover.

Illinois

Since 1988

Attorney/Solo Practitioner

Law office of Cheryl A. Powell

1999 - Current

Represent clients in a variety of matters, including those listed plus guardianships, wills and powers of attorney.

Assistant public defender

Marion County

1999 - 2002

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

1995 - 1999

Represented numerous clients in family law cases.

Family Law Task Force Coordinator

Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance

1987 - 1995

Supervised 40 lawyers in their handling of family law cases.

Southern Illinois University - Carbondale

M.S. (1996) | Social work

1992 - 1996

Northern Illinois University

J.D. | Law

1984 - 1987

Northern Illinois University

B.A. (1983) | Political Science, Public Administration; with a Minor in Sociology

1982 - 1983

Honors: Pi Sigma Alpha, honor society

College of Lake County

A.S. (1982) | Business Administration

1980 - 1982

Service to Miliary

Illinois State Bar Association

2010

Illinois State Bar

Member

1988 - Current

Activities: Family Law Section Council, Criminal Justice Section Council

Jefferson county bar assn

Member

1988 - Current

Marion County Bar Assn

Member

1988 - Current

Approved guardian ad litem

20th judicial circuit

Approved mediator

20th judicial circuit

Q. Can a notarized guardianship document be ignored or vetoed by the mother?

April 24, 2025

A: Yes, the mother can terminate the guardianship at any time since it is not a court order. I had another case where that happened recently and the mother chose to take the kids from her parents and give them to another relative. The judge allowed the children to stay at the new relatives' home even though there was no wrongdoing on the part of my clients.

Q. Inquiry regarding rights for house and child support with joint mortgage situation.

April 12, 2025

A: You should hire a lawyer immediately if any of his 401k is left to have it held for child support AND if you intend to separate from him. Generally, if you are living together it is perceived that you are accepting his quitting his job and you will not get a child support order. He can not avoid child support in a bankruptcy and he could be ordered to pay child support based on the last job he had. He can also be ordered to look for work. The bank will not likely take his name off without your refinancing.

Hire a lawyer asap.

Q. What can I do about my son's abusive father

April 4, 2025

A: Call SWAN. It is a shelter for women and children in Olney. Open 24 hours. 618-392-3556. They can provide shelter, food and clothing, help with an Order of Protection, counseling for women and children. They will help you find a job, get transportation, do a resume, work with the police, take pictures of injuries, etc. They should be your first call unless you need 911.