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Cheryl Powell
Lawyer-Mediator-Guardian ad Litem at the Law Office of Cheryl A. Powell.Badges
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Summary
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
- Divorce
- Criminal Law
- Juvenile Law
- Arbitration & Mediation
- Probate
Fees
- 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.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
- Illinois
- 7th Circuit
- 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
- -
- 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
- -
- Represented numerous clients in family law cases.
- Family Law Task Force Coordinator
- Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance
- -
- Supervised 40 lawyers in their handling of family law cases.
Education
- Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
- M.S. (1996) | Social work
- -
- Northern Illinois University
- J.D. | Law
- -
- Northern Illinois University
- B.A. (1983) | Political Science, Public Administration; with a Minor in Sociology
- -
- Honors: Pi Sigma Alpha, honor society
- College of Lake County
- A.S. (1982) | Business Administration
- -
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
523 Questions Answered
- Q. I live in st.clair co illinois.I am trying to get a divorce and it is non contested what do i do? I have no money.
- A: Land of Lincoln legal assistance. Google.
- Q. so my mom had surrendered her parents rights.
- A: Yes, you can live with anyone you want at age 20 years. The courts can control you possibly until 21 if you are still a ward of the court, which is unlikely. If you are not a ward of the court, you can go live with whomever you like.
- Q. I want to change my 1year old son last name can I do without asking the father
- A: He gets served and decides whether to respond or not.
- Q. I have court this Friday for my case to be reviewed for an increase on my Child Support. The case was done 7yrs ago
- A: Make sure both of u bring your financial affidavit, income taxes and last Check stub.
- Q. I have a question about dcfs and my case with them.
- A: Tell ur lawyer, gal and the judge.
- Q. I forgot to affix my license plate sticker and got a ticket. If I provide proof can I contest the ticket?
- A: Show proof of when it was paid and that u have it now, pic of it on your car. Might be dismissed.
- Q. I was under-age when I got pregnant, I am 18 now, if I took the father to court for child support, what would happen?
- A: It is unlikely that he would be charged with anything.
- Q. What happens if a 17 year old is caught with an ounce of marijuana
- A: Typically, they get a small fine.
- Q. Does Illinois require marital counseling before divorce if one spouse asks for it?
- A: It depends. The parties have to testify and the judge determines if he thinks there is a reasonable opportunity to get back together or not. If he thinks so, he orders it.
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