Cheryl Powell

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.

Family Law

Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law

Divorce

Collaborative Law, Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce

Criminal Law

Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes

Juvenile Law

Arbitration & Mediation

Business Arbitration, Consumer Arbitration, Family Arbitration

Probate

Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests

• Google Hangouts
• Skype
• Zoom
• FreeConferenceCall
• GoToMeeting
• WhatsApp

• 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 $50 for up to one-half hour and $120.00 per 30 minutes after that. My hourly rates start at $235.00 per hour.

Illinois

Since 1988

U.S. Supreme Court

Since 2002

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

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

Q. will i get in trouble for Running away from a place my mom makes me live because she kicked me out

3 November 2020

A: Legally, you are required to live wherever your parents say. No court order means nothing enforceable typically. Your parents can choose to give guardianship or to take it away. Anyone who harbors you can be charged with harboring a runaway.

Q. How do I get visitation for my child in another state?

2 November 2020

A: You would have to file for parenting time in Illinois. Legal aid does not typic

Q. I'm trying to inquire about the price of a separation or a divorce at a low cost

30 October 2020

A: You will have to call some lawyers in your area. They will want this information at a minimum. Is there a marital residence? Children? Pensions, 401k's? Husband's income vs. Wife's income for alimony? Will spouse agree?