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Alexander C. Payne
also known as Alexander Chau Payne
Virtual Consultation Available
About Alexander
Biography
Born and raised as the only Chinese-American on the French Caribbean island of Saint Martin, Alex had brief stints throughout the Caribbean and South America where he attended schools taught only in French, Spanish, and Papiamento. Alex eventually migrated to the United States and earned his undergraduate degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and his Juris Doctorate in Virginia from George Mason University School of Law, a Tier I law school, which he attended because of its focus on economics in law and libertarian philosophy.
Following law school, Alex practiced criminal law in Virginia, which included criminal appellate matters. (See Little v. Commonwealth (2012) 777 S.E.2d 317 (Va. Ct. App. 2012).) Alex ultimately moved back to California and spent five years practicing business litigation, primarily focusing on employment, construction defect, and contract. Alex's diverse caseload ran the gamut from simple actions involving a single agreement or unrepresented opposing party to major actions involving publicly traded companies, international disputes from Mexico to China, and matters deemed "complex." (See e.g., Ping Pan v. Skyline Technology HK Co., Ltd., CIVRS1201048, 2018 WL 4275239 (Fourth Dist. Ct. September 6, 2018) (involving Chinese international shipping dispute); Marriage of Hsu, G053490, 2017 WL 2334020 (Fourth Dist. Ct. May 30, 2017) (involving transmutation)). Alex litigated these actions in federal and state courts, before administrators and commissions, and through alternative dispute resolution services.
Alex transitioned from general civil litigation to focus exclusively on family law at Minyard Morris to assist real people get through one of the most trying times of their lives - divorce. Alex has since graduated from the Family Law Trial Advocacy Program in Houston, Texas. Alex has extensively litigated complex attorneys' fees and cost matters in Orange County divorce courts, and argued before the California Court of Appeal in family law matters. Alex is a Certified Specialist in Family Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.
Outside of the office, Alex is a passionate, but perpetually disappointed, Minnesota sports fan and stays physically active with local basketball and beach football leagues. Alex extensively travels internationally and has a personal quest to dine at as many Michelin 3-starred establishments as possible. Alex is also an active member in the local community.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Family
100%
Fees and Rates
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in California for 13 years
State: California
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
Minyard Morris LLP
1811 Quail St, Newport Beach, CA, 92660-2323
minyardmorris.com/lawyers/alex-payneGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Alexander online.
Alexander C. Payne's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
2 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Case Results
Posted by Jessica | January 25, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Family
Outstanding!
Alex achieved my legal objectives. He was creative and proactive, anticipating what could happen in the case and providing me with options. He was supportive, taking my calls, making time for my questions, keeping my spirits up. I don't want any more family law challenges in my life but if they aris...
Alexander C. Payne's Lawyer Endorsements
"Alex is a very skilled and professional attorney. He is a very dedicated and knowledgeable in the area of family law."
"While Alex has a wealth of knowledge in a vast array of topics affecting family law, it is his ability to apply that knowledge to individual situations that really sets him apart in my opinion. He thinks strategically in terms of resolution, which has earned him respect from clients, attorneys and judges alike."
"Mr. Payne is not only a talented lawyer but also a pillar of the Orange County legal community. I work with Mr. Payne on many community initiatives and he is always a great addition to any team. He is dedicated to his clients and conducts himself with empathy and diplomacy. If I were ever in need of a family law attorney, I would not hesitate to hire Mr. Payne."
"Mr. Payne is a highly professional lawyer who is among the best in all things family law in Orange County. He is a top notch litigator who also communicates effectively with his clients about their options. If you are going through a divorce or custody battle, you need to go with someone that has the experience and legal skills to help you through this difficult time. Mr. Payne is the right choice for the job."
"I endorse this lawyer, Alex Payne. After having the pleasure of getting to know Mr. Payne over the past several years, he has shown me that he has a breadth of knowledge and experience that I would seek in obtaining counsel for myself or for loved ones. In addition to his skills and expertise, Mr. Payne is dedicated to serving his clients, he is compassionate, and he is able to communicate effectively. I am pleased to endorse and recommend Mr. Payne."
"I have had the pleasure of working with Alex. He is very knowledgable, hardworking and dedicated. As a colleague he is professional, respectful and helpful."
"Alex is a diligent and thorough attorney focused on detail and achieving successful outcomes. Alex is strategic in his approach to handling family law matters and understands the intricacies of the law."
"When I first began practicing as an attorney, Alexander Payne was a senior associate at my firm. I frequently went to Alex for advice as I was learning and he never steered me wrong. I know him to be a confident, competent attorney who is an aggressive advocate for his clients."
"Alex is a persuasive writer with clear thoughts and excellent presentation. He provides sound advice for clients."
John Murillo
Family lawyer
Joshua Wilson
Family lawyer
Matthew Sundly
Family lawyer
Scott Savage
Family lawyer
Jonathan Little
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2024
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Best Law Firm - Family Law Tier 1, U.S. News & World Report
N/A
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Associate, Minyard Morris, LLP
1900 - Present
Partner, Minyard Morris, LLP
2012 - 2017
Associate, Reid & Hellyer
Associations
2018 - Present
Orange County Asian American Bar AssociationCommittee Chair
2018 - Present
National Asian Pacific American Bar AssociationMember
2018 - Present
Constitutional Rights FoundationAssociate Board Founding Member
2018 - Present
Public Law CenterAdvocate
2017 - Present
Robert A. Banyard American Inn of CourtMember
2017 - Present
Orange County Bar FoundationAssociate Board Member
Federalist Society
Member
2016 - 2017
Leo A. Deegan American Inn of CourtMember
2014 - 2017
Asian Pacific American Lawyers of the Inland EmpireFormer Member
Sample of Legal Cases
In re Marriage of Hsu, G053409 (Cal. Ct. App. May 30, 2017)
Reversed
Little v. Commonwealth (2012) 777 S.E.2d 317 (Va. Ct. App. 2012)
Affirmed
Education
2018
National Family Law Trial Institute
2012
George Mason Univ SOL
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
California Polytechnic St U
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2019
Spring/Summer Monthly Presentation
Family Law Forensic Accounting
Publications
2020
None
None
Languages
English