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Ronald Dean Payne II

Business Attorney at Kernersville, NC

5.0   39 reviews

also known as Ron Payne

About Ronald

Learn Ronald’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Business
    40%
    Advising businesses on formation; contracts, including buy-sell agreements or SBA loan closings, employment agreements, purchase agreements; best practices with clients/collections, including demand/collection letters through litigation.

    12 years

  2. Estate planning
    40%
    Drafting Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Powers of Attorney, and Living Wills. Case #'s reflect total cases since inception of firm and not current caseload.

    12 years

  3. Family
    15%
    Adoption, Divorce, Custody & Support, Post Separation Support, Alimony, Equitable Distribution, Adoption, Separation Agreements, Prenuptial Agreements and more. We are willing to mediate/negotiate, and will take cases to court when required!

    12 years

  4. Speeding and traffic ticket
    5%
    Traffic Tickets involving speeding, school zones, reckless driving, etc. Have a CDL? Mr. Payne has his CDLs - he knows what it means and how to handle it in court!

    12 years

Ron is the co-founder and managing partner of Apple Payne Law, PLLC. Prior to merging with attorney Willis "Bill" Apple to form Apple Payne Law, PLLC, he was the original founder and the Senior Managing Partner of Payne Law, PLLC. Since becoming an attorney, Mr. Payne has helped countless individuals with valuable legal services in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina. His main areas of practice are business advising, family law, traffic citations and estate planning. Our firm is one of the few, if not only firms that accept payment plans as well as credit cards, and we work hard to provide outstanding service for all of our clients!

He graduated with his Juris Doctorate from the Wake Forest University School of Law in 2011, where he was a Research Assistant for Dean Morant and an Articles Editor for the Journal of Business and Intellectual Property Law. Additionally, he also worked as a Research Assistant for professors Barbara Lentz & Chris Coughlin. During law school, Mr. Payne worked as an intern at the Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office, where he worked the docket under the supervision of various ADA’s, gaining valuable experience in misdemeanors, traffic, and juvenile cases. He also interned during law school at the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education, where he handled various legal matters including extensive experience in student discipline hearings.

 

While first setting up Payne Law, PLLC, Mr. Payne worked at the Wake Forest University School of Law where he served as a Dean’s Fellow, specializing in assisting the Dean’s Office with a wide variety of tasks. He hosted the Honorable Elizabeth B. Lacy, Senior Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court at the Journal of Law & Policy Colloquium, and designed presentations for (now former) Dean Blake Morant to present to various audiences from the University President to donors to new students. He also assisted then-Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Suzanne Reynolds (now current Dean) with a variety of projects, including family law, research and technology. 

 

Lastly, he is involved with a wide variety of other groups, including serving as the Cubmaster of his son's Cub Scout pack. He formerly worked with the Wake Forest Athletic Bands, where he volunteered as the Assistant Director for Operations/Administration. Mr. Payne also served as the President of the Board of Directors for Wake Forest Independent, Inc., a non-profit group dedicated to the percussion performance arts in Western North Carolina. WFI placed 5th at the 2011 World Championships (A Class) and 15th at the 2012 World Championships (Open Class), having won the silver medal in the Atlantic Indoor Circuit (Open Class). He also performed with the Piedmont Wind Symphony and served on the Board of Advisors at ECPI for their criminal justice program.

 

Prior to law school, Mr. Payne worked as a high school band director, where his bands consistently achieved high ratings in Jazz, Concert & Marching. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Music Education & Euphonium Performance at Appalachian State University, where he was a two-term Chapter President of Kappa Kappa Psi, the Honors Program, ROTC and multiple other student organizations.

 

Mr. Payne is also an avid technology buff, keeping up with the latest trends on computing and mobile devices. He has served as the music director at his church, and resides in Burlington, NC with his wife and two sons. When not spending his time in the law or volunteering, he likes to escape to the woods for a camping trip with his family.

Photos and videos

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Licensed for 11 years
State NC
Status Active
Acquired 2011
Updated 05/14/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Ronald

Apple Payne Law, PLLC
900 Old Winston Rd.
Suite 212
Kernersville, NC, 27284

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  39 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
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Posted by anonymous | March 30, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional Service!
I hired Ron for the purpose of structuring a healthcare business and contract review. He went above & beyond in making sure that my business needs were met, especially when faced with challenging questions and timelines. He is professional, responsive & goes out of his way to make you feel like you are his only client. I highly recommend his services and will continue to use his team for ongoing business needs.
Read less
Posted by Cristobal | February 2, 2022
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Very professional
They are very polite and helped me understand my situation better. Are excellent I would recommend them
Posted by James | November 5, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Great Experience.
Everyone in the office was top notch. They were down to earth but professional. It was nice to work with an attorney who displayed honest humility. I haven't experience that much with lawyers, so It was nice to see.
Posted by Diana | October 26, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Landlord Issues
It was a pleasure to meet Sandy and Mr. Payne. My appointment was made for the next day. Mr. Payne listened to my situation, he told me both sides of the outcome. His sincerity and honesty is worth more than any money I would have received. If you are having Landlord issues please contact his office.
Posted by Jeff | October 19, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
I was in an emergency situation. Mr Payne got me in the next day listened to all my concerns/situation and responded immediately to the other party involved. Ron is very professional, he was very responsive to all my questions and answered them to ease my mind. If I had additional questions as the process evolved he answered them in a very timely manner. Jordan his Paralegal is excellent and always responded to my phone calls and answered my emails quickly. There office manager was always there to answer my calls which is unheard of today. Usually you got to call several times or it goes to voice mail. I would highly recommend ApplePayneLaw.
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Posted by Byron | April 22, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great service for separation agreement
Mr. Payne recently drew up a separation agreement for me which was very well done. He was courteous and conscientious in his handling of an emotional life event. My spouse had the documents looked over by an attorney from another firm who verified that the agreement would cover exactly what we were asking for. I will definitely be hiring Mr. Payne and Apple Payne Law in the future.
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Response from Ronald Payne April 29, 2021
Thank you for trusting my team with your legal needs! It was a pleasure to work with you and look forward to serving your (hopefully less stressful) legal needs in the future!
Posted by Kyle | November 30, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Representation
Ron is knowledgeable, honest, fair, and supportive. He gives informed advice and goes out of his way for his clients. His firm is affordable and will work with you on payment. He offers a wide variety of services, and while he handled my child support case, he handles much more!
Posted by Leah | November 17, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Excellent
Ron was professional, quick to respond, and gave solid advice that helped me get more from the insurance company than I expected. Thank you!
Posted by James | November 3, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
James
I found everyone I came in contract with at the firm very helpful and accommodating. My dad and I needed to execute a POA quickly in order to continue moving forward with my dad's healthcare needs. The first couple of people I talked quickly made arrangements for me to meet with Ron. Ron arranged a Zoom call to speak with my dad from his hospital room. Afterwards he quickly drafted the POAs that we needed. I felt like I was a priority for him and the office. When I walked into the office several members of the staff knew who I was and were very understanding of my circumstances and their friendliness definitely made me feel welcome.
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Posted by Richie | September 19, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Will & Estate Planning
Even during this hard time of not having face to face meetings we were able to get all my affairs in order.
Response from Ronald Payne October 7, 2020
Thank you so much for trusting us with assisting with your affairs and taking the time to leave a review!
Posted by anonymous | June 17, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Job
Apple Payne law made closing on our house one of the easiest processes I could imagine. They are thorough, fast, and most of all, client focused. In this day and age, it so hard to find services that provide the level of personal care that Ron and this firm did for our family. I am so happy that we chose them!
Response from Ronald Payne June 18, 2020
Thank you so much for trusting us with the closing on the purchase of your new home! May you and your amazing family have many years of wonderful memories to come :)
Posted by Patrick | June 10, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Down To Earth
Ron and his crew were all very professional and helpful. My father needed an estate package and we picked Ron's office because of the location. He and his team made us feel welcome and were very down to earth. We never felt uncomfortable. They provided us with what we needed and answered all of our questions. We would highly recommend Ron and his team.
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Response from Ronald Payne June 11, 2020
Thank you so much for the kind words and for allowing us to assist you with your father's estate planning needs - we appreciate the opportunity and enjoyed working with you both!
Posted by Nancy | June 5, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Easy to work with
Ron updated our wills , including living will, power of attorney and advanced directives. He gave thorough explanations and answered all our questions . His staff is excellent.
Response from Ronald Payne June 11, 2020
Thank you so much for the kind words and for allowing us to assist you with your estate planning needs!
Posted by Tara | April 25, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Great Experience
I had some legal questions and needed some guidance on what direction to take, Ron was very patient and walked us through different scenerios and the course of action of each. I would definitely recommend!
Posted by Kimberly | March 18, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Quality legal representation from an attorney who feels like family.
We have known Ron for some time and he offered my husband and I a very reasonable rate after I was rear ended in March of 2018. Despite knowing us, Ron maintained the professional relationship of an attorney during any transactions regarding our case. After I was rear-ended in the beginning of March, it was nearing the end of April and I was getting NOWHERE with the other party's insurance company. The moment I hired Ron, things started to move and I felt relieved and comforted knowing that I had a lawyer I could trust who was on my side. Ron was always very up front and informative about all matters regarding our case. I always felt like I knew what my options were and what Ron was doing. The most difficult part of the entire process was that my husband was stationed overseas in Germany and I was due to join him in May. However, it never seemed to be an issue for Ron. He always communicated with me in a timely manner and the case was settled in the time frame he originally told me. The distance never seemed to be an issue, which was also a comfort to my husband and I. We would recommend Ron as an attorney to anyone who asked. He makes you feel like he has your best interest at heart and I know he does. Thank you Ron for all of your hard work.
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Response from Ronald Payne March 19, 2020
Thank you so much for your friendship as well as placing your trust in me to handle your legal needs, and thank you both for your service!
Posted by James | March 5, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Easy and excellent legal help!
I used Mr. Payne’s services in forming my PLLC business. I paid a fair rate and filled out my basic information, and that was about all I had to do! Mr. Payne and his team filed the needed work and kept up with me as anything came in for me to sign, but otherwise I had nothing to worry about while the appropriate forms were being filed with my licensing board (which can be a headache to go back and forth with) and the Secretary of State. Made the process stress-free.
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Response from Ronald Payne March 9, 2020
Thank you so much for allowing us to assist you in setting up your PLLC. Best of luck in your new practice and we look forward to helping you in the future with your business and personal legal needs as you grow!
Posted by Kimberly | February 11, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable, Responsive, Professional, and Compassionate
When dealing with any legal situation, you need someone that is knowledgeable & experienced! Ron Payne certainly has those skills, but he is also compassionate & responsive. He helped me navigate a very difficult separation/divorce with the utmost professionalism & patience.
Response from Ronald Payne February 12, 2020
Thank you so much for trusting us with your legal needs during a very difficult time and for your kind review. We wish you nothing but the best moving forward!
Posted by anonymous | November 22, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Quick and efficient divorce
Ron worked extremely hard to and quickly to make sure that all of my needs were met. Whenever I had a question or needed advice, there was a less than 24hr response with the answer I was looking for. I HIGHLY recommend him as your lawyer in the future!
Posted by Jay | September 27, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Ron Payne
Ron and his staff are knowledable and are always responsive and was helpful finding a great private investigator out of town ! Ron guided me through a very contentious divorce with a great outcome!
Response from Ronald Payne September 27, 2019
Thank you sir for allowing us to serve you and for trusting us with your case. Best of luck in the future!
Posted by Joe | September 1, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Ro Payne review
Ron Payne and his staff did an outstanding job in preparing our wills and power of attorney documents. Their process is simple and thorough. My wife and I felt very comfortable with Ron as he guided us through an uncomfortable subject. The flat rate that was charged for the very professional preparation of these documents for both of us was reasonable. He also provided us with good counsel on a different matter and made sure that the time (cost) was minimal. I am happy to know that when needed, Ron and the friendly staff at Apple Payne Law will be there for us.
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Response from Ronald Payne September 16, 2019
Thank you so much sir! It was a pleasure to work with you. We appreciate you keeping us in mind for other legal work and for taking the valuable time to let others know how we did!
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 250-350 per hour
  • Contingency 25%-40%
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Managing Partner
  • Apple Payne Law, PLLC
  • 2018 - Present
  • Dean's Fellow
  • Wake Forest University School Of Law
  • 2011 - 2013
  • Partner/Owner
  • Payne Law, PLLC
  • 2011 - 2018
  • Intern
  • Forsyth County District Attorney
  • 2010 - 2010
  • Intern
  • Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools
  • 2010 - 2010
  • Martin L. King Intern
  • Legal Aid Of North Carolina, Inc.
  • 2010 - 2010
  • Volunteer
  • Jacksonville Area Legal Aid., Inc.
  • 2009 - 2009
  • Director of Bands
  • Alexander County Schools
  • 2005 - 2008
View all work experience

Education

  • Wake Forest University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2011
  • Appalachian State University
  • Bachelor of Music
  • 2004

Legal Cases

  • Equitable Distribution
  • Lien removed, case settled
  • Domestic Violence/Custody
  • Sole legal and physical custody awarded to my client
  • Out of state, complex custody
  • Sole legal custody, primary physical awarded to my client

Associations

  • North Carolina Bar Association, Family Law Section, CLE Committee
  • Committee Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • Business Networking International (BNI)
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • North Carolina State Bar
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • North Carolina Bar Association
  • Family Law Section Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Forsyth County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • North Carolina Association of Educators
  • Member
  • 2005 - 2008
  • North Carolina Band Directors Association
  • Webmaster, Marching Band Committee
  • 2005 - 2008
  • National Band Association
  • Member
  • 2003 - 2008
  • Music Educators National Conference
  • Member
  • 2000 - 2008
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Rising Star Award
  • SuperLawyers®
  • 2020
  • 2020 Client's Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2020
  • North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Rising Star 2019
  • NC Lawyer's Weekly
  • 2019
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers®
  • 2019
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers®
  • 2018
  • Top 10 Attorneys Under 40
  • National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2017
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers®
  • 2017
  • Best Divorce Lawyers in Winston-Salem
  • Expertise.com
  • 2017
  • Top 10 Attorneys Under 40
  • National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2016
  • Top 10 Attorneys Under 40
  • National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2015
  • 2014 Client's Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2014
  • Outstanding Oral Arguments
  • Florida Coastal School of Law
  • 2009
  • "Book Award" for Legal Research and Writing II
  • Florida Coastal School of Law
  • 2009
  • Gold Award
  • Festival Disney
  • 2008
  • Dean's Scholar
  • Florida Coastal School of Law
  • 2008
  • Band
  • Who's Who in Teaching
  • 2006
  • Teacher of the Month
  • Alexander Central HS
  • 2006
  • Band Directing
  • Who's Who in Teaching
  • 2005
  • National Intercollegiate Band
  • Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma
  • 2003
View all awards

Publications

  • Authorify Publishing
  • Best Selling Options in a Divorce by Jody Peske & Ron Payne
  • 2021
  • The Instrumentalist
  • Learning on the Job by Trial and Error
  • 2006

Speaking Engagements

  • Marital Amendment: Implications and Consequences
  • Marriage Amendment
  • 2012
  • Financial Planning Seminar
  • Basics of Estate Planning
  • 2012
  • Financial Planning & Community Topics
  • Basic Estate Planning
  • 2012
  • Custody Clinic
  • Pro Se Custody
  • 2010
  • Community Wills Clinic
  • Wills & Estate Planning
  • 2010
  • Monthly Clinic
  • Pro-Se Child Custody
  • N/A
  • Monthly Clinic
  • Pro-Se Absolute Divorce
  • N/A
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (26)
Given (44)
Endorse Ronald
Business Attorney | Nov 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I met Ron in a lawyers group and have been impressed by his knowledge and focus on providing a great service for his clients. If you are looking for a business, estate planning, family or traffic lawyer in the Kernersville, NC area, you'll be in good hands with Ron and his firm."
Family Attorney | Apr 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Ron for several years and we have had several cases against each other. He is a good advocate for his clients, but is also reasonable and trustworthy. I recommend him for family law matters. Jon Kurtz, Board Certified Specialist in Family Law"
Family Attorney | Apr 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ron is a great advocate who knows how to navigate the system for the benefit of his clients, and is known to be highly committed and effective in his practice."
Family Attorney | Apr 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Ron for a few years, and he never loses sight of his client's best interest, and gives each case the attention it deserves!"
Family Attorney | Apr 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ron zealously advocates for his clients inside and out of the courtroom. He is compassionate and extremely professional. I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 02
Relationship: Co-worker
"Since combining our law practices in June, 2018, I have discovered the excellence that Ron possesses in so many areas. First, he is keenly in touch with the human aspect of serving our numerous clients; he truly cares about each and every one. He also demonstrates extraordinary knowledge of the law, particularly in the family law arena. His expertise in the area of law practice technology exceeds that of any lawyer whom I have ever encountered, and perhaps of anyone whom I have ever met. But perhaps his most extraordinary talent is in the common sense that he applies to every client situation. He grew up on a family farm, where he was not just an observed; he worked tirelessly. Through that, his experience as a high school band director, and many other "real life" experiences, Ron . has developed not only sensitivity to the "curveballs" that life can often throw, but also to the skill of applying "good old common sense" in every situation. I am proud to be his partner!"
Family Attorney | Apr 02
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Mr. Payne is a respectable, honest, and no-nonsense attorney who works hard for his clients. His office staff is efficient and a pleasure to work with."
Family Attorney | Apr 02
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"In family law matters, it is always a benefit to a client to have an attorney that other attorneys respect. When Ron tells me something, I can rely on it. He is forthright, responsive, and treats family law matters with the care and attention that they require and desire."
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 05
Relationship: Other
"Attorney Payne is intelligent, compassionate and achieves excellent results. Well respected in the legal community. I fully endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | May 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I am impressed with Mr. Payne's thoughtful advice and answers to legal questions on Avvo. He has an in-depth understanding of the law and an ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and effectively. I endorse this lawyer!"
Family Attorney | Oct 25
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Ron is very approachable and excellent at communicating with his clients and explaining a wide a variety of options in an easy to understand way."
Family Attorney | Aug 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Payne is a great attorney and a hard worker. I highly recommend him."
Unknown Attorney | Mar 25
Relationship: Co-worker
"Ron is an excellent attorney who is knowledgeable, hard-working, and dedicated to his clients' needs. I have, and will continue, to recommend his services to my family and friends."
General practice Attorney | Mar 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I heartily recommend you to consult with Ron Payne on your family, estate, or general civil matter. His advocacy skills are very strong and he is very talented at using civil procedure to achieve his client's goals. Further, his compassion for the difficult situations in which his clients find themselves is second to none. Ron is also a former teacher and is very involved in the community. I believe that he will bring the same level of professionalism, compassion, and connectedness to your case."
Unknown Attorney | Dec 23
Relationship: Friend
"Mr. Payne is an ethical, intelligent and consciences attorney. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to prospective clients."
Unknown Attorney | Dec 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ron is a tenacious lawyer who works diligently to advocate for his clients both in and out of the courtroom. I have observed him in court and have been very impressed with his skill. I highly recommend him for any legal situation."
Estate planning Attorney | Dec 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Nov 14
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Payne is an excellent advocate for his clients and puts considerable time and effort into helping his clients achieve their legal goals."
Unknown Attorney | Oct 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I've had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Payne for several years now and can say without hesitation that he is a person that cares deeply about his craft and is someone that should be trusted with your matters."
Family Attorney | Oct 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Over the past few years I have gotten to know Mr. Payne. His legal skills are excellent. Additionally he is able to clearly and simply explain to clients the process of litigation. Most attorneys do not have this ability. I highly recommend Mr. Payne."
View more endorsements