We can do phone conferences or video conferences to help accommodate potential clients. We also continue to offer consults and are taking measures to ensure the health and safety of our clients coming into the office.
Our team of dedicated divorce lawyers prioritizes you and your family because we know what’s really important.
Shawna Collins
Founder
Shawna handles complex divorce cases, as well as municipal and civil litigation. Shawna will listen carefully to your situation and offer advice as to what she believes to be in your best interest. If your case can be handled effectively outside of court to minimize litigation expenses, she will make sure you are aware of that option. If your case needs to be litigated, Shawna will be an aggressive and effective advocate for you.
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Isla Tabrizi
Partner
Candace Faircloth
Partner
Rebecca Watts
Director of Legal/Partner
Kelly Johnson
Senior Attorney
Kelly believes it is necessary to support each client with creative solutions because every family is unique. Kelly educates her clients and empowers them with knowledge to make the best choices for their families.
View ProfileJennifer Rodrigue
Managing Attorney
With a background in psychology, I have an ever-growing interest in and dedication to helping and understanding those struggling with mental health, which is often a factor in family law. I understand the stress and emotional impact a divorce or custody action and the frustration of finding “a new normal.” I am committed to guiding my clients through the legal process with compassion and understanding.
View ProfileChristine Houston
Managing Attorney
My interest and commitment to the practice of family law stems from my own personal experience. Understand that the end of a marriage is not only devastating and stressful, but also has ripple effects throughout other areas of life. My primary goal is to help my clients navigate through this difficult time in their lives with patience, understanding, and compassion.
View ProfileAlexa Litt
Attorney at Law
Alexa grew up in Apex, NC, and attended UNC Charlotte for her undergraduate degree with a major in Criminal justice and a minor in psychology. She then went to Elon University School of Law where she was a member of the moot court board.
View ProfileKathryn DeAngelo
Senior Counsel
Kathryn Cook DeAngelo joined Collins Family Law in August 2021 as Senior Counsel to the Collins Elder Law practice division. She graduated from Marshall University, Huntington, WV, in 1968 with a B.A. in Business Education. She also has an M.Ed. from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. Prior to attending law school, Kathryn was a public school teacher and taught business/secretarial studies for twelve (12) years at DuVal High School in Prince George’s County, MD. In 1984 Kathryn graduated magna cum laude from North Carolina Central University Law School (NCCU Law}, Durham, NC.
View ProfileSarah Sykes
Attorney at Law
Sarah Sykes is a recent law school graduate from Mississippi College School of Law with a passion for family law. She is eager and excited to work with our team in our Dilworth office. Sarah believes in zealously advocating for every client who steps foot in our office.
View ProfileNicki Applefield Engel
Attorney at Law
Nicki Applefield Engel joined the Collins Elder Law Group in September of 2021. Since 2010, Nicki has been a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA), and she is the immediate past President of the North Carolina Chapter of NAELA.
View ProfileAmber Morris
Attorney at Law
Amber R. Morris, Attorney at Law, originally from Louisville, Kentucky, is a graduate of the College of Charleston, where she was active in Kappa Delta Sorority. Upon graduation, Amber relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, with a corporate position with a national retailer. She attended Charlotte School of Law, where she was a member of Law Review, Women in Law, and served as a Teaching Assistant. She traveled to Tanzania with her Comparative Law class to study children’s rights and work in orphanages and group homes.
View ProfileMelinda Taylor
Attorney at Law
Melinda has extensive experience advocating for clients who were victims of domestic violence. She has represented clients in custody, divorce, adoption, child support, separation, and birth certificate cases. Melinda has completed the South Carolina family law mediation course and has mediated many custody and divorce cases with simple and complex issues.
View ProfileMadison Woschkolup
Attorney at Law
Madison Woschkolup grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. She attended the University of South Carolina for her undergraduate degree, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. She received her Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University where she was a member of the Wake Forest Law Review.
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Why Collins Family Law?
We work to protect your family.
When you work with our North and South Carolina lawyers, your priorities and the outcomes you want to see matter. We only want what is best for you and your family, and we know you may be coming to us during the most emotional, difficult time in your life. We will listen to you with compassionate understanding, and then aggressively fight for you if things end up in court.
- Compassionate, understanding, and patient.
- We care about you and your family and we will aggressively fight for you.
- Our team is with you every step of the way, guiding you through complex legal issues impacting your family.
Who We Are
Advocates for your family.
The team at Collins Family Law Group brings more than 150 years of combined experience to North and South Carolina. Our team includes a board-certified family law specialist, a family financial mediator, and a licensed superior court mediator. We have the dedication and legal knowledge to find creative solutions that work for you and your family.
What We Do
Family lawyers who are with you every step of the way.
We boldly serve as your legal guides and protectors in all areas of family law in North Carolina and South Carolina. Since we exclusively handle family law cases, we have a unique understanding of the important laws and rights that can impact you and those you love most.
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Chad Simpson
Client
Mark Isley
Client
Remona Griffin
Client
Our Family Law Practice Areas
Adoption
Adoption can be one of the most loving acts that you can do for a child during your lifetime. Deciding to take a child in as your own can be your life’s dream and can bring unspeakable blessings into your family’s household. Learn more
Divorce
Divorce cases can be one of the most complex areas of family law. We are by your side to ensure that your divorce goes as smoothly as possible. Learn more
Father’s Rights
Many fathers feel helpless during child custody and child support cases. Understand your rights so you can fight for your family. Learn more
Modification of Court Order
You reserve the right to request modifications to child support or child custody agreements after a divorce. We can help determine your best course of action. Learn more
Child Custody
As you face a child custody dispute, we can help protect your family’s best interests. We pursue peaceful solutions that are right for your unique circumstances. Learn more
Domestic Law Appeals
If a judge has issued a ruling that does not work in your favor or doesn’t consider all aspects of your case, we can construct a case that poses a solid, intelligent argument that takes all of your best interests into account. Learn more
Grandparents’ Rights
Divorce often impacts families beyond the separating couple. Grandparents may have a case to fight for visitation, scheduled contact, and more with their grandchildren. Learn more
Property & Debt Divisions
You may be able to avoid losing your valuable assets and accruing debt that isn’t yours. Understand the important factors to consider when dividing marital property. Learn more
Child Support
Child support agreements must be fair for both the child and the parents, but they often result in bitter disputes. We can help you reach the best possible solution, and enforce or modify it later on. Learn more
Separation Agreements
Many couples choose to enter into a separation agreement rather than head straight for a divorce. Explore the difference and whether it may be a good option for your family. Learn more
Spousal Support
If you are in need of financial assistance because of a divorce, you may be entitled to spousal support. We can help secure a level of payment that works for you and your family. Learn more
Relocation
Moving can pose many challenging child custody issues. Discover your options and what factors the court will consider when deciding if the relocation is in the best interests of the child. Learn more