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Cheryl Powell

Cheryl Powell

Law office of Cheryl A. Powell
  • Family Law, Divorce, Domestic Violence ...
  • Illinois
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Biography

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.

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
    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.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Illinois
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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
20th judicial circuit
Approved mediator
20th judicial circuit
Websites & Blogs
Website
Legal Answers
895 Questions Answered
Q. Car registered under father's name; can I take it if I paid for it?
A: You cannot have the title in your name alone unless you are 18. You were a minor when the car was purchased. It does not matter who paid for it. If your dad's name is on the title, he will want the car to be insured. You cannot take the car without your father's permission.
Q. Concern about legal exposure from tipping at a massage parlor using Zelle.
A: I would not expect this tip to be an issue unless it was out of line with other tippers. If you gave someone an unusually large tip and the place was investigated, I would expect that you could be questioned about what services were provided to you for that tip. At this juncture, it's too late to take it back, obviously. There is nothing you can do but hope that your tip level would not cause an investigation.
Q. Will paying a ticket for failing to yield risk my Illinois license suspension after past suspension?
A: It sounds like you were under 21 with your earlier tickets but you are over 21 now. When a person is over 21, they are allowed 3 moving violation convictions a year. Your license gets suspended after the 3rd conviction. It is always better to take driving school to prevent a conviction from being on your record IMHO.
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Contact & Map
407 S. 27th Street, Suite B
Mt Vernon, IL 62864
US
Telephone: (618) 246-9370
Fax: (618) 244-5919