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/Mediation, Consumer - Arbitration/Mediation, Family - Arbitration/Mediation

Probate

Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests

• 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 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

Approved guardian ad litem

2nd judicial circuit

Q. Who has the legal authority to make decisions in regard to disposition of remains?

November 22, 2022

A: Powers of attorney and guardianships end at death. The only person with any legal authority is the executor of the will, who will have letters of office. That person has to see to it that bills are paid, including the funeral, cremation, etc.

Q. What is the statue limitations on parental kidnapping?

November 22, 2022

A: Parental kidnapping is federal law and is under the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act. It is defined as hiding the child from a parent for over 14 days. That is usually taking the child across state lines. Your situation can be resolved by filing a Petition for Allocation of Parental Responsibilities and Parenting Time. https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/family-safety

Q. In Illinois does child support pay cover childrens cell phones and cell phone bills or is that an extra expense?

November 22, 2022

A: There is no law that a child has to have a cell phone or a car. If either parent chooses to provide a child with same, that is their choice and their expense. Child support is for basic necessities, i.e. food, clothing, shelter, utilities, transportation to and from school and activities. A cell phone is a luxury.