Columbia, SC Attorneys
1720 Main Street, Suite 303
Columbia, SC 29201
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Our Managing Attorney in Columbia, SC, Melinda Taylor
Conveniently located in Columbia, South Carolina, our experienced attorneys proudly serve families in all aspects of family law. Melinda Taylor is a Managing Attorney for Collins Family & Elder Law Group and is based in the Columbia, SC office. She grew up in the greater Columbia, South Carolina area where she currently resides. Melinda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina and graduated from Charlotte School of Law with honors.
After law school, Melinda spent over eight years at a public interest law firm practicing family law and other areas of civil litigation. Melinda was the head family law attorney and was recognized as Attorney of the Year in 2016 while employed at that law firm. 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. Click here to read Melinda Taylor’s full biography.
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
Fathers’ 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 Orders
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
Grandparent’s 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
Family Law Attorney Columbia, South Carolina
Our Columbia, South Carolina, attorneys have an unparalleled understanding of family law. Exclusively handling family law cases enables us to consistently produce favorable outcomes in everything from divorce mediation to property and debt division. Your family law attorney from Collins Family & Elder Law Group will become a vital member of your support team, providing you with the best possible legal guidance so you can confidently move forward with your life.
The Collins Family and Elder Law Group team have more than 196+ years of combined experience helping families navigate complicated, complex cases. All of our family and elder law attorneys are highly knowledgeable and passionate about supporting families and individuals throughout the legal process. Whether you are looking for help in family or elder law or a divorce lawyer in Columbia, South Carolina, you can feel confident that you are getting the best service and legal advice in South Carolina.
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 and Chief of Legal Development
Candace Faircloth
Partner and Chief of Trial Strategy
Rebecca Watts
Partner and Chief Legal Officer
Jennifer Rodrigue
Senior Attorney & Regional Director, Lowcountry
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 ProfileKathryn DeAngelo
Senior Counsel Elder Law
Kathryn Cook DeAngelo joined Collins Family & Elder Law Group 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 ProfileMelinda Taylor
Managing Attorney
Melinda Taylor is the managing attorney in our Columbia, SC office. She 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 ProfileAmber Morris
Managing Attorney
Amber R. Morris, Managing 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 ProfileAli Miller
Attorney at Law
Ali Miller is a skilled litigation and cooperative resolution attorney. She is a member of the Mecklenburg County Bar and the Family Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. She is also a Certified Parenting Coordinator who works to guide and assist in high-conflict custody cases. She received the Safe Alliance Commitment to Justice Award in 2015 for her dedication to victims of domestic violence. Ali represents clients in all areas of family law.
View ProfileKristen Leonard
Attorney at Law
Kristen Leonard is the primary attorney in our Greenville, South Carolina office. She services clients in both South Carolina and Western North Carolina. Kristen practices both family law and elder law and has extensive experience in litigation and as a prosecutor. She is equipped to advocate both within and outside of the courtroom for her family and elder law clients.
View ProfileMonica Schuring
Attorney at Law
Monica Schuring is based in our Fort Mill office and received her Juris Doctor from University of South Carolina School of Law. She represents clients in both North and South Carolina, exclusively in the area of family law and domestic relations. Monica practices in both the Fort Mill/Northern SC and the Charlotte markets. She has also practiced in Columbia, SC. Monica has extensive litigation experience and also has experience in representing the State in child abuse and neglect cases.
View ProfileRebecca A. Daddino
Attorney at Law
Rebecca graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2017. She became licensed in North Carolina in 2017 and South Carolina in 2020. Rebecca was elected to serve on the NC & SC NAELA Boards for the upcoming year. She also serves on the NCBA Estate Planning and Fiduciary Law guardianship subcommittee and the SC Bar Elder Law Committee.
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. She was selected as a 2023 Super Lawyers Rising Star.
View ProfileSarah Sykes
Attorney at Law
Sarah Sykes is a graduate of the University of Alabama and the Mississippi College School of Law with a passion for family law. She is dually licensed in North and South Carolina. Sarah believes in zealously advocating for every client who steps foot in our office.
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.
View ProfileShayna Matheny
Attorney at Law
Shayna Matheny is based in our Monroe, North Carolina office and services clients in Union and Gaston Counties. She attended the California University of Pennsylvania for her undergraduate degree in Jurisprudence and Legal Studies. She went on to become valedictorian of her class at North Carolina Central University School of Law where she received her Juris Doctorate and was an Editor on the NCCU Law Review. She was selected as a 2023 Super Lawyers Rising Star.
View ProfileJessica Brashear
Attorney at Law
Jessica Brashear is an attorney licensed to practice in North and South Carolina. She joined Collins Family & Elder Law Group as an Elder Law Attorney in 2023. She has a passion for people and a strong interest in working with individuals and families as they plan for the future.
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