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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
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 guardian ad litem
2nd judicial circuit
Approved mediator
2nd judicial circuit
Approved guardian ad litem
4th judicial circuit
Approved mediator
4th judicial circuit
Approved guardian ad litem
20th judicial circuit
Approved mediator
20th judicial circuit
Websites & Blogs
Website
Legal Answers
751 Questions Answered
Q. My lawyer did not show up in court a month ago like she said she would and I have been emailing and calling & no reply?
A: Normally, if a lawyer is dropping a client, usually for non payment of fees, a lawyer files a Motion to Withdraw, sends you a certified notice of the court date and you can show up to object or agree to her withdrawing. I suggest you get your papers together and go see another lawyer. If something unusual is going in with the lawyer, like a stroke, heart attack, suspension, the other lawyers in the town usually know. Whatever is happening, obviously she is not helping you right now.
Q. Can my brother-in-law’s aunts and uncles take away his home and property?
A: Your grandma is still alive or there would be no inheritance fees. A lawyer should have been consulted. There is a 5 year look back period. If she goes into a nursing home within 5 years of selling or giving away property for less than fair market value she is penalized and yes, they can have a court reverse the sale.
Q. Can the courts change a charge or can the prosecution change it mid trial or after the trial as the judge claims? 3 yrs
A: Pleadings can be amended before during or after the trial. The last time the prosecution can Amend pleadings is after trial. Jury instructions have to mirror charges and lesser included offenses if deemed appropriate.
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Contact & Map
407 S. 27th Street, Suite B
Mt Vernon, IL 62864
Telephone: (618) 246-9370
Fax: (618) 244-5919