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Ronald Dean Payne II

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also known as Ron Payne
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  • Kernersville, NC
  • Licensed for 9 years
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Legal guides written by Ronald Payne

Ronald Dean Payne II
Ronald Dean Payne II
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About Ronald

As a small business owner, husband & father of two, we know business, family law, & estate planning!

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.

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Practice areas

Speeding and traffic ticketBusinessEstate planningFamily
  1. Family: 55%

    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!

    10 years, 500 cases

  2. Estate planning: 25%

    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.

    10 years, 150 cases

  3. Business: 15%

    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.

    10 years, 100 cases

  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!

    10 years, 200 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

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Contact

Apple Payne Law, PLLC

900 Old Winston Rd.
Suite 212
Kernersville, NC, 27284

Website
http://www.applepaynelaw.com 

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
NCActive201104/24/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers147
Legal guides1
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Rising Star AwardSuperLawyers®2020
2020 Client's Choice AwardAvvo2020
North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Rising Star 2019NC Lawyer's Weekly2019
Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2019
Rising StarSuperLawyers®2019
Rising StarSuperLawyers®2018
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys2017
Rising StarSuperLawyers®2017
Best Divorce Lawyers in Winston-SalemExpertise.com2017
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys2016
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys2015
2014 Client's Choice AwardAvvo2014
Outstanding Oral ArgumentsFlorida Coastal School of Law2009
"Book Award" for Legal Research and Writing IIFlorida Coastal School of Law2009
Gold AwardFestival Disney2008
Dean's ScholarFlorida Coastal School of Law2008
BandWho's Who in Teaching2006
Teacher of the MonthAlexander Central HS2006
Band DirectingWho's Who in Teaching2005
National Intercollegiate BandKappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma2003
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Managing PartnerApple Payne Law, PLLC2018 - Present
Dean's FellowWake Forest University School Of Law2011 - 2013
Partner/OwnerPayne Law, PLLC2011 - 2018
InternForsyth County District Attorney2010 - 2010
InternWinston-Salem Forsyth County Schools2010 - 2010
Martin L. King InternLegal Aid Of North Carolina, Inc.2010 - 2010
VolunteerJacksonville Area Legal Aid., Inc.2009 - 2009
Director of BandsAlexander County Schools2005 - 2008
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
North Carolina Bar Association, Family Law Section, CLE CommitteeCommittee Member2016 - Present
Business Networking International (BNI)Member2013 - Present
North Carolina State BarMember2011 - Present
North Carolina Bar AssociationFamily Law Section Member2011 - Present
Forsyth County Bar AssociationMember2011 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember2008 - Present
North Carolina Association of EducatorsMember2005 - 2008
North Carolina Band Directors AssociationWebmaster, Marching Band Committee2005 - 2008
National Band AssociationMember2003 - 2008
Music Educators National ConferenceMember2000 - 2008
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
The InstrumentalistLearning on the Job by Trial and Error2006
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Wake Forest University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2011
Appalachian State UniversityBachelor of Music2004
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
"Practical Magic" - 2020 Essentials of Family LawPaperless Family Law: How to be Paperless When Your Judges Aren't2020
Financial Planning SeminarBasics of Estate Planning2012
Marital Amendment: Implications and ConsequencesMarriage Amendment2012
Financial Planning & Community TopicsBasic Estate Planning2012
Custody ClinicPro Se Custody2010
Community Wills ClinicWills & Estate Planning2010
Monthly ClinicPro-Se Absolute DivorceN/A
Monthly ClinicPro-Se Child CustodyN/A
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Equitable DistributionLien removed, case settled
Domestic Violence/CustodySole legal and physical custody awarded to my client
Out of state, complex custodySole legal custody, primary physical awarded to my client

Reviews

(34)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Review Ronald Payne

Easy to work with

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Ronald Payne's response: Thank you so much for the kind words and for allowing us to assist you with your estate planning needs!

Down To Earth

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Ronald Payne's response: 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!

Great Job

Posted by

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!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Ronald Payne's response: 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 :)

Great service for separation agreement

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Ronald Payne's response: 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!

Great Representation

Posted by

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!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent

Posted by

Ron was professional, quick to respond, and gave solid advice that helped me get more from the insurance company than I expected. Thank you!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

James

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Will & Estate Planning

Posted by

Even during this hard time of not having face to face meetings we were able to get all my affairs in order.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Ronald Payne's response: Thank you so much for trusting us with assisting with your affairs and taking the time to leave a review!

Great Experience

Posted by

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!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Quality legal representation from an attorney who feels like family.

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Ronald Payne's response: 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!
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Attorney endorsements

(25)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Jon Kurtz, Family Attorney on Apr 26, 2019
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

Robert Hartsoe, Family Attorney on Apr 23, 2019
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.

Jessica Armentrout, Family Attorney on Apr 8, 2019
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!

Erica Jackson, Family Attorney on Apr 2, 2019
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.

Willis Apple, Family Attorney on Apr 2, 2019
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!

Bennett Rainey, Family Attorney on Apr 2, 2019
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.

Elise Whitley, Family Attorney on Apr 2, 2019
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.

Michelle Hubbard, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 5, 2017
Relationship: Other

Attorney Payne is intelligent, compassionate and achieves excellent results. Well respected in the legal community. I fully endorse this lawyer.

Andrew Dickens

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!

Hilary Workman Hux, Family Attorney on Oct 25, 2016
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.

Francisco Serrano, Family Attorney on Aug 24, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Payne is a great attorney and a hard worker. I highly recommend him.

Kimberly Byrd

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.

Jennifer Payne, General practice Attorney on Mar 23, 2015
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.

Bryan Hamlin

Mr. Payne is an ethical, intelligent and consciences attorney. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to prospective clients.

Harvey Barbee

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.

Robert Brown, Estate planning Attorney on Dec 4, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Stephen Hegedus

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.

Paul Knudsen

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.

Jeffrey Hutchins, Family Attorney on Oct 1, 2014
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.

Hovanes Margarian

I endorse this lawyer.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$250-$350/hour
    OTHER BILLING TYPES
    • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.
      25%-40%
    • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.
      Sometimes
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card

    Legal guides written by Ronald Payne