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Cheryl Powell
Lawyer-Mediator-Guardian ad Litem at the Law Office of Cheryl A. Powell.
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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
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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
- U.S. Supreme Court
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
- 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
- Jefferson county bar assn
- Member
- - Current
- Marion County Bar Assn
- Member
- - Current
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
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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