About Shawna D.

Shawna D. Collins is the founder of Collins Family & Elder Law Group, a firm committed to serving clients throughout North and South Carolina. Raised in the picturesque Lowcountry of South Carolina, she developed a strong sense of community and service early in life. In 1992, Shawna earned her undergraduate degree from the College of Charleston, where she laid the foundation for her future legal career. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued her Juris Doctor at the University of Florida, completing her law degree in 1995. Notably, she spent her final year at Wake Forest University, gaining valuable insights and experiences that would shape her legal practice.

Licensed to practice in both North and South Carolina, Shawna boasts over 29 years of experience in civil and criminal litigation. Her expertise spans many legal areas, with a particular focus on complex divorce cases, municipal and civil litigation, and estate litigation matters, including will contests. This diverse skill set allows her to address the challenges her clients face, whether they are handling the requirements of family law or dealing with intricate estate matters. Her extensive background equips her to provide informed guidance to clients in various legal scenarios. In addition to her legal practice, Shawna actively contributes to the legal community as a member of the North Carolina Bar Association. She serves on both the Estates and Trusts Section and the Family Law Section, where she collaborates with fellow attorneys to enhance legal standards and practices.

Additionally, she is a member of the South Carolina State Bar, further solidifying her commitment to the legal profession and her clients. Shawna’s involvement in these organizations reflects her dedication to staying current with legal developments and advocating for her clients’ best interests. Collins Family & Elder Law Group operates multiple offices across the Carolinas, including locations in Monroe, Weddington, Uptown Charlotte, Fort Mill, Ballantyne, and Lake Norman. The firm offers a comprehensive range of services in family and elder law, covering areas such as adoption, divorce, child support, and Medicaid planning. Shawna's approach to legal practice emphasizes clear communication and informed decision-making. She ensures that clients are well-informed about all available options, striving to resolve matters outside of court whenever possible to minimize stress and expense.

Under Shawna's leadership, Collins Family & Elder Law Group has expanded its reach, including a recent office opening in Columbia, South Carolina. This growth reflects the firm’s commitment to providing compassionate and effective legal guidance to families throughout the Carolinas. When litigation is necessary, Shawna prepares thoroughly and advocates firmly to protect her clients' interests. Her dedication to her clients and her community continues to drive the success of her firm, making a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves.

Education

College of Charleston

University of Florida

Wake Forest University

Languages

English (Spoken, Written)

Accepted Jurisdictions

North Carolina
South Carolina

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina U.S. District Court
U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina U.S. District Court

Types of Cases Handled

Divorce Estate Litigation Civil Litigation Criminal Litigation

Legal Services Scope

Litigation Mediation Arbitration

Professional Associations

North Carolina State Bar

has membership Current

North Carolina Bar Association

has membership of the Estates and Trusts Section and the Family Law Section Current

South Carolina State Bar

Current

Office Locations

Main Office

 112 North Main Street Monroe NC 28112

Office 2

 13657 Providence Road Weddington NC 28104

Office 3

 301 S. McDowell Street 11th Floor, Suite 1107 Charlotte NC 28204

Office 4

 951 Market Street Suite 205 Fort Mill SC 29708

Office 5

 15720 Brixham Hill Avenue Suite 310 Charlotte NC 28277

Office 6

 8712 Lindholm Drive Suite 300 Huntersville NC 28078