The paralegal staff is an intricate part of any legal office.  Paralegals are the first people that you see and talk to when you contact the legal office, and I feel that it is important for you to get to know who will be working on your case and who will be talking to you during the pendency of your case.

James "Tim" Stafford, is the son of Jim and Lila Stafford, of Ava, Missouri, and a 1977 graduate of Ava High School.  He currently resides in Mansfield, Missouri, with his wife, Vianna, and two sons, Justin 15 and James 11.  James graduated Summa Cum Laude from Springfield College in July of 1998, receiving his Associates of Applied Science Degree in Legal Studies while maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average.  Prior to going to college, James was employed with Emmerson Electric for 15 years.  James has three years of paralegal experience and most recently was employed with Wise Law Offices in Hartville, Missouri.

Sonya M. Collins, is the daughter of Myron and Cindy Fesler, of Lebanon, Missouri, and a former Ava High School student.  She currently resides in Ava with her husband, Mike, and two children, Kris 10 and Amanda 9. Sonya graduated Summa Cum Laude from Springfield College in July of 1998, receiving her Associates of Applied Science Degree in Legal Studies while maintaining a 3.95 grade point average.  Sonya has worked for this office in the paralegal capacity for three years.

James and Sonya handle family law, guardianship, adoption, divorce, bankruptcy, probate, and real estate cases. 

Please feel free to call or stop by to visit James or Sonya at the office located across from the Douglas County Courthouse, in Ava, Missouri, Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.