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Ronald Dean Payne II
also known as Ron Payne
About Ronald
Biography
Ron Payne ensures his clients’ estate planning, probate and small business needs are addressed with clarity and precision, drawing from his 13 years of experience running his own firm, Apple Payne Law, PLLC (formerly Payne Law, PLLC), and background as a professional musician and music educator. He focuses on helping families navigate life’s important decisions, assisting with putting in place Last Will & Testaments, Revocable & Irrevocable Trusts, Power of Attorneys, Advance Directives and Business Succession Planning. Additionally, Ron helps clients navigate the probate process, taking the legal burdens off their shoulders and allowing them to focus on the loss of a loved one.
A proud graduate of Wake Forest University School of Law in 2011, Mr. Payne’s academic journey began at Florida Coastal School of Law, where he excelled, securing a position in the top 20 of his 1L class and earning a nomination for the Law Review. During his tenure at Wake Law, he contributed as a research assistant under the guidance of prominent figures such as former Dean Blake Morant, enhancing his legal acumen. Graduating in a difficult legal market, Ron started his own firm as a resume builder and never looked back.
Recent Representative Matters
• Assisted with establishing a trust for the family of a client with late stage cancer to minimize disputes and the cost of probate for them.
• Helping a client with no biological children plan for charitable gifts amongst their charities while ensuring their other planning goals are met.
• Handling probate for an out of state heir, involving real estate in multiple states. It involved coordinating the legal efforts amongst multiple attorneys and ensuring the prompt closing and resolution of a complex estate.
• Served as Co-Trustee of a dynasty trust for client who recently moved to NC and needed legal assistance in navigating the messprevious trustees left behind. Ron was able to help sort out where things were, update the accountings, and help the trust realign the holdings to ensure each of the beneficiaries were properly cared for in accordance with their late great-grandfather’s wishes.
Outside of the office:
Beyond the office, Ron finds joy in family life with his wife, Jennifer, an accomplished music teacher and a fellow business owner, and their two sons as well as their cats in Gibsonville, North Carolina. A community leader at heart, he serves as Cubmaster for Pack 4051, embracing the great outdoors through camping, while also engaging in personal passions like playing the piano, tending to his aquarium and home computer servers where he likes to tinker with all things technology. His balanced approach to professional and personal life reflects his dynamic leadership and genuine commitment to both his clients and his community.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Estate Planning
60%
15 years
Probate
40%
10 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 350-400 per hour
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 14 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Location
Tuggle Duggins P.A.
400 Bellemeade St., Suite 800, Greensboro, NC, 27401
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Ronald Dean Payne II's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
39 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Lawsuits & Disputes (7)
Divorce & Separation (6)
Estate Planning (5)
Child Custody (4)
Family (4)
Wills & Living Wills (4)
Child Support (3)
Contracts & Agreements (2)
Landlord & Tenant (2)
Power Of Attorney (2)
Adoption (1)
Business (1)
Car Accidents (1)
Corporate & Incorporation (1)
Health Care (1)
Insurance (1)
Limited Liability Company (LLC) (1)
Personal Injury (1)
Real Estate (1)
Residential (1)
Trusts (1)
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 15 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | March 30, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Business
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 a...
Posted by Byron | April 29, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
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...
Ronald Payne
Replied last April 29, 2021Thank 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 | Hired Attorney | Child Support
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 James | November 03, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Power Of 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 Z...
Posted by Nancy | June 11, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning
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.
Ronald Payne
Replied last June 11, 2020Thank you so much for the kind words and for allowing us to assist you with your estate planning needs!
Ronald Dean Payne II's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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"
"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."
"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!"
"Ron zealously advocates for his clients inside and out of the courtroom. He is compassionate and extremely professional. I endorse this lawyer."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"Attorney Payne is intelligent, compassionate and achieves excellent results. Well respected in the legal community. I fully endorse this lawyer."
"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!"
"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."
"Mr. Payne is a great attorney and a hard worker. I highly recommend him."
"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."
"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."
"Mr. Payne is an ethical, intelligent and consciences attorney. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to prospective clients."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
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Experience
Honors
2020
Rising Star Award, SuperLawyers®
2020
2020 Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2019
North Carolina Lawyers Weekly Rising Star 2019, NC Lawyer's Weekly
2019
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Rising Star, SuperLawyers®
2018
Rising Star, SuperLawyers®
2017
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2017
Rising Star, SuperLawyers®
2017
Best Divorce Lawyers in Winston-Salem, Expertise.com
2016
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2015
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2014
2014 Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2009
Outstanding Oral Arguments, Florida Coastal School of Law
2009
"Book Award" for Legal Research and Writing II, Florida Coastal School of Law
2008
Gold Award, Festival Disney
2008
Dean's Scholar, Florida Coastal School of Law
2006
Band, Who's Who in Teaching
2006
Teacher of the Month, Alexander Central HS
2005
Band Directing, Who's Who in Teaching
2003
National Intercollegiate Band, Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Managing Partner, Apple Payne Law, PLLC
2011 - 2013
Dean's Fellow, Wake Forest University School Of Law
2011 - 2018
Partner/Owner, Payne Law, PLLC
2010 - 2010
Intern, Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools
2010 - 2010
Intern, Forsyth County District Attorney
2010 - 2010
Martin L. King Intern, Legal Aid Of North Carolina, Inc.
2009 - 2009
Volunteer, Jacksonville Area Legal Aid., Inc.
2005 - 2008
Director of Bands, Alexander County Schools
Associations
2020 - Present
Business Networking International (BNI)Member
2011 - Present
North Carolina State BarMember
2011 - Present
North Carolina Bar AssociationFamily Law Section Member
2011 - Present
Forsyth County Bar AssociationMember
2016 - 2021
North Carolina Bar Association, Family Law Section, CLE CommitteeCommittee Member
2008 - 2016
American Bar AssociationMember
2005 - 2008
North Carolina Association of EducatorsMember
2005 - 2008
North Carolina Band Directors AssociationWebmaster, Marching Band Committee
2003 - 2008
National Band AssociationMember
2000 - 2008
Music Educators National ConferenceMember
Sample of 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
Education
2011
Wake Forest University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2004
Appalachian State University
Bachelor of Music
Speaking Engagements
2020
"Practical Magic" - 2020 Essentials of Family Law
Paperless Family Law: How to be Paperless When Your Judges Aren't
2012
Marital Amendment: Implications and Consequences
Marriage Amendment
2012
Financial Planning Seminar
Basics of Estate Planning
2012
Financial Planning & Community Topics
Basic Estate Planning
2010
Custody Clinic
Pro Se Custody
2010
Community Wills Clinic
Wills & Estate Planning
N/A
Monthly Clinic
Pro-Se Child Custody
N/A
Monthly Clinic
Pro-Se Absolute Divorce
Publications
2021
Authorify Publishing
Best Selling Options in a Divorce by Jody Peske & Ron Payne
2006
The Instrumentalist
Learning on the Job by Trial and Error
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Is it legal to keep the birth of a child secret from the father?
07 May 2021
Q&A
I'm having a court day May 20th for a speeding ticket going 89 in a 55 on the Highway It was 11 o’clock at night ?
03 May 2021
Q&A
My husband and I have been separated for 4 years. How does a judge determine if I could receive alimony if he files for divorce.
19 Feb 2021