team-member

Barri Payne

Durham, NC

Licensed for 22 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Child custody

Language

English

About

Barri Hilton Payne was born in High Point, North Carolina and grew up in Davidson County. She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she majored in Religious studies and Sociology. After twelve years as a partner in a local law firm, Barri opened her own solo family law and mediation practice in 2013. Barri was involved with the Holderness Moot Court while in law school at UNC and earned her law degree in 1999. She has practiced in Durham, North Carolina since that time and concentrates her practice on family law issues such as divorce, child custody and support, property division and spousal support, with an emphasis towards resolving these issues through alternatives, like mediation designed to minimize conflict for the family. In 2011, Barri became a board certified family law specialist and a certified family financial mediator. She also assists her clients with will preparation, family law appeals, and adoption. She practices primarily in Durham County, but also takes cases in Orange, Chatham, and Wake Counties. Before beginning law school at the University of North Carolina School of Law, Barri had the opportunity to reside in several different states including Washington, Texas, Georgia, and Alabama. While she enjoyed many of these places, she loves calling North Carolina home. Barri lives in Durham with her husband John and their eight year old daughter Amelia. Her family loves the beach, camping in their RV, and Durham’s many attractions such as the Life and Science Museum and the Bulls games. Barri and her family also stay busy with activities at their church. Barri regularly volunteers with the Legal Information Service through the Compass Center in Chapel Hill, which provides free telephone consultations to clients. Barri has taught seminars for the Compass Center’s Free Legal Clinics on the topics of child custody, child support, and spousal support. She is also currently the Chair of the Durham Family Bar Association.Barri Payne Family Law & Mediation, is a North Carolina law firm regulated by the Rules of Professional Conduct as promulgated by the North Carolina State Bar.  As such, our lawyers do not and cannot ethically participate in many of Avvo's programs, including its Legal Topics, Legal Forms, or its fixed-price legal services. We advise extreme caution when relying on Q&A's or use of legal forms without the guidance of a qualified lawyer. 

Practices Areas

Child custody

Child support

Divorce and separation

Family

Language

English

Contact

Barri Payne, Attorney At Law Pa1911 Hillandale Rd Ste 1030Durham, NC, 27705-2666 Office (919) 808-2826 1911 Hillandale Rd Ste 1030Durham, NC, 27705-2666 Office (919) 808-2826(919) 808-2826

Office: (919) 525-3418

Website: N/A

Reviews

B
August 10, 2017

Barri Payne was an excellent choice as my lawyer because she was most effective and thorough in getting the job done. Her confidence and knowledge was successful in helping me get through some formidable hurdles. I am very satisfied that Barri Payne was expedient, knowledgeable, compassionate and trustworthy while engaging in helping me solve my legal problem. I will be forever grateful!

CW
August 6, 2017

I am an attorney practicing since 1999. I chose Mrs. Payne to handle my separation and divorce proceedings and couldn't be happier. She was very easy to talk to about very difficult terms of my separation agreement, which is important at the beginning of one of the most trying times of my life. She handled everything, from drafting, filing, and dealing with my spouse’s legal counsel. When it came to the divorce, I didn’t have to do anything, she handled it all. She works electronically, so we had very few face to face meetings. She was compassionate, empathetic, competent, and dependable. That is what I needed and she was right there. I highly recommend Ms. Payne for divorce proceedings.

anonymous
August 23, 2021

Ms. Payne represented us in a child custody case. At all steps of the process she kept us well informed. She presented a compelling case to the court on our behalf. Through out the case which included emotional family dynamics she expertly represented our side without turning the issue into a slugfest. I commend both Ms. Payne and her legal assistant in a job well done. We would highly recommend Ms. Payne for any such case and if we ever have need of representation in a family law case in the future we intend to use Ms. Payne again.

anonymous
January 17, 2020

Barri helped me with a very difficult and lengthy case. I appreciated her ethics when things got sticky. She is extremely knowledgeable and always kept on top of the many details of the case. I can't speak highly enough of her!

KG
January 8, 2016

Barri, Thank you for helping me through a very trying and difficult period. Your prompt and professional assistance was so very refreshing and very much appreciated. Elizabeth was also very helpful whenever I called or had any questions. Sincerely, KG

Catherine
January 8, 2016

Barri and Elizabeth went above and beyond to make me feel at ease and help me through some very tough family circumstances. In the end, all parties involved were happy with the results. They are amazing! I highly recommend them!!!!!

anonymous
September 18, 2015

When I met and subsequently retained Barri, I had already been through my divorce and was facing custody complications. As anyone feels in those situations, it was a real mess. From the beginning, Barri was able to help me see the pros and cons of the situation and the possible paths to resolution. I will say this, no one really ever wants to go to court over these things. However, when you walk into the courtroom and the first thing the judge indicates is that you have made a great choice as to who is representing you, some of the nerves just fade away. I already felt as if I couldn't be represented any better. If you find yourself in need of a family attorney, you should most certainly meet with Barri. She is the consummate professional, very knowledgealbe, very responsive and communicative, and at the same time very compassionate and understanding. While my situation ended up in court, she is also very skilled at resolving things via mediation as well. If I could emphasize any further how grateful I am for Barri and how highly I would recommend her, I would rate 10 stars out of 5. Thank you

anonymous
March 2, 2014

Barri and I entered into a situation that seemed pretty clear cut. Inevitably, challenges arose. But Barri had already prepared and expected all of them. She completely keeps her cool and defuses situations that are emotional and usually pretty charged. Barri is the consummate professional. I highly recommend Barri and I will definitely continue to go back to her for anything that comes up. She's so well-respected and genuinely cares about her clients' best interest.

anonymous
October 9, 2015

I would not recommend Mrs. Payne if you need a Bull Dog Attorney. Barri is very sweet and kind. Unfortunately in my situation, sweet wouldn't cut what I was up against. Mrs. Payne did not file my financial affidavit or other records for Alimony after the 15 day requirement. My ex husbands attorneys lead her as well. Therefore having my Alimony case dismissed. The Judge would not listen to my alimony case, Mrs Payne was not prepared with documents when the Judge asked what we had provided, she stated she did not have the documents. Resulting in financial hardship and losing custody of my two girls. If you don't think your case will get ugly, then please use Barri. She is sweet in Nature. Just not cut out to be a bull dog attorney. She doesn't have it in her.

anonymous
January 14, 2015

Pick another lawyer, my experience with Barri was terrible. I several times had to ask if she was representing me or my ex. Barri was not through and did not seem to know the ins and outs of the process. She is not a take charge person and only followed the lead of the my exes lawyer. The separation agreement is very one sided and the loop holes that one would except a lawyer to catch and find and protect their client was not done. I felt the mediator was better representing me during the mediation than Barri. I parted ways with Barri. I now have to hire another lawyer to try and fix the huge mess Barri created. Thanks Barri, so glad my lying, cheating ex got to screwed me over again and I get to pay her each month for doing it.

B
August 10, 2017

Barri Payne was an excellent choice as my lawyer because she was most effective and thorough in getting the job done. Her confidence and knowledge was successful in helping me get through some formidable hurdles. I am very satisfied that Barri Payne was expedient, knowledgeable, compassionate and trustworthy while engaging in helping me solve my legal problem. I will be forever grateful!

CW
August 6, 2017

I am an attorney practicing since 1999. I chose Mrs. Payne to handle my separation and divorce proceedings and couldn't be happier. She was very easy to talk to about very difficult terms of my separation agreement, which is important at the beginning of one of the most trying times of my life. She handled everything, from drafting, filing, and dealing with my spouse’s legal counsel. When it came to the divorce, I didn’t have to do anything, she handled it all. She works electronically, so we had very few face to face meetings. She was compassionate, empathetic, competent, and dependable. That is what I needed and she was right there. I highly recommend Ms. Payne for divorce proceedings.

anonymous
August 23, 2021

Ms. Payne represented us in a child custody case. At all steps of the process she kept us well informed. She presented a compelling case to the court on our behalf. Through out the case which included emotional family dynamics she expertly represented our side without turning the issue into a slugfest. I commend both Ms. Payne and her legal assistant in a job well done. We would highly recommend Ms. Payne for any such case and if we ever have need of representation in a family law case in the future we intend to use Ms. Payne again.

anonymous
January 17, 2020

Barri helped me with a very difficult and lengthy case. I appreciated her ethics when things got sticky. She is extremely knowledgeable and always kept on top of the many details of the case. I can't speak highly enough of her!

KG
January 8, 2016

Barri, Thank you for helping me through a very trying and difficult period. Your prompt and professional assistance was so very refreshing and very much appreciated. Elizabeth was also very helpful whenever I called or had any questions. Sincerely, KG

Catherine
January 8, 2016

Barri and Elizabeth went above and beyond to make me feel at ease and help me through some very tough family circumstances. In the end, all parties involved were happy with the results. They are amazing! I highly recommend them!!!!!

anonymous
September 18, 2015

When I met and subsequently retained Barri, I had already been through my divorce and was facing custody complications. As anyone feels in those situations, it was a real mess. From the beginning, Barri was able to help me see the pros and cons of the situation and the possible paths to resolution. I will say this, no one really ever wants to go to court over these things. However, when you walk into the courtroom and the first thing the judge indicates is that you have made a great choice as to who is representing you, some of the nerves just fade away. I already felt as if I couldn't be represented any better. If you find yourself in need of a family attorney, you should most certainly meet with Barri. She is the consummate professional, very knowledgealbe, very responsive and communicative, and at the same time very compassionate and understanding. While my situation ended up in court, she is also very skilled at resolving things via mediation as well. If I could emphasize any further how grateful I am for Barri and how highly I would recommend her, I would rate 10 stars out of 5. Thank you

anonymous
March 2, 2014

Barri and I entered into a situation that seemed pretty clear cut. Inevitably, challenges arose. But Barri had already prepared and expected all of them. She completely keeps her cool and defuses situations that are emotional and usually pretty charged. Barri is the consummate professional. I highly recommend Barri and I will definitely continue to go back to her for anything that comes up. She's so well-respected and genuinely cares about her clients' best interest.

anonymous
October 9, 2015

I would not recommend Mrs. Payne if you need a Bull Dog Attorney. Barri is very sweet and kind. Unfortunately in my situation, sweet wouldn't cut what I was up against. Mrs. Payne did not file my financial affidavit or other records for Alimony after the 15 day requirement. My ex husbands attorneys lead her as well. Therefore having my Alimony case dismissed. The Judge would not listen to my alimony case, Mrs Payne was not prepared with documents when the Judge asked what we had provided, she stated she did not have the documents. Resulting in financial hardship and losing custody of my two girls. If you don't think your case will get ugly, then please use Barri. She is sweet in Nature. Just not cut out to be a bull dog attorney. She doesn't have it in her.

anonymous
January 14, 2015

Pick another lawyer, my experience with Barri was terrible. I several times had to ask if she was representing me or my ex. Barri was not through and did not seem to know the ins and outs of the process. She is not a take charge person and only followed the lead of the my exes lawyer. The separation agreement is very one sided and the loop holes that one would except a lawyer to catch and find and protect their client was not done. I felt the mediator was better representing me during the mediation than Barri. I parted ways with Barri. I now have to hire another lawyer to try and fix the huge mess Barri created. Thanks Barri, so glad my lying, cheating ex got to screwed me over again and I get to pay her each month for doing it.

B
August 10, 2017

Barri Payne was an excellent choice as my lawyer because she was most effective and thorough in getting the job done. Her confidence and knowledge was successful in helping me get through some formidable hurdles. I am very satisfied that Barri Payne was expedient, knowledgeable, compassionate and trustworthy while engaging in helping me solve my legal problem. I will be forever grateful!

CW
August 6, 2017

I am an attorney practicing since 1999. I chose Mrs. Payne to handle my separation and divorce proceedings and couldn't be happier. She was very easy to talk to about very difficult terms of my separation agreement, which is important at the beginning of one of the most trying times of my life. She handled everything, from drafting, filing, and dealing with my spouse’s legal counsel. When it came to the divorce, I didn’t have to do anything, she handled it all. She works electronically, so we had very few face to face meetings. She was compassionate, empathetic, competent, and dependable. That is what I needed and she was right there. I highly recommend Ms. Payne for divorce proceedings.

anonymous
August 23, 2021

Ms. Payne represented us in a child custody case. At all steps of the process she kept us well informed. She presented a compelling case to the court on our behalf. Through out the case which included emotional family dynamics she expertly represented our side without turning the issue into a slugfest. I commend both Ms. Payne and her legal assistant in a job well done. We would highly recommend Ms. Payne for any such case and if we ever have need of representation in a family law case in the future we intend to use Ms. Payne again.

anonymous
January 17, 2020

Barri helped me with a very difficult and lengthy case. I appreciated her ethics when things got sticky. She is extremely knowledgeable and always kept on top of the many details of the case. I can't speak highly enough of her!

KG
January 8, 2016

Barri, Thank you for helping me through a very trying and difficult period. Your prompt and professional assistance was so very refreshing and very much appreciated. Elizabeth was also very helpful whenever I called or had any questions. Sincerely, KG

Catherine
January 8, 2016

Barri and Elizabeth went above and beyond to make me feel at ease and help me through some very tough family circumstances. In the end, all parties involved were happy with the results. They are amazing! I highly recommend them!!!!!

anonymous
September 18, 2015

When I met and subsequently retained Barri, I had already been through my divorce and was facing custody complications. As anyone feels in those situations, it was a real mess. From the beginning, Barri was able to help me see the pros and cons of the situation and the possible paths to resolution. I will say this, no one really ever wants to go to court over these things. However, when you walk into the courtroom and the first thing the judge indicates is that you have made a great choice as to who is representing you, some of the nerves just fade away. I already felt as if I couldn't be represented any better. If you find yourself in need of a family attorney, you should most certainly meet with Barri. She is the consummate professional, very knowledgealbe, very responsive and communicative, and at the same time very compassionate and understanding. While my situation ended up in court, she is also very skilled at resolving things via mediation as well. If I could emphasize any further how grateful I am for Barri and how highly I would recommend her, I would rate 10 stars out of 5. Thank you

anonymous
March 2, 2014

Barri and I entered into a situation that seemed pretty clear cut. Inevitably, challenges arose. But Barri had already prepared and expected all of them. She completely keeps her cool and defuses situations that are emotional and usually pretty charged. Barri is the consummate professional. I highly recommend Barri and I will definitely continue to go back to her for anything that comes up. She's so well-respected and genuinely cares about her clients' best interest.

anonymous
October 9, 2015

I would not recommend Mrs. Payne if you need a Bull Dog Attorney. Barri is very sweet and kind. Unfortunately in my situation, sweet wouldn't cut what I was up against. Mrs. Payne did not file my financial affidavit or other records for Alimony after the 15 day requirement. My ex husbands attorneys lead her as well. Therefore having my Alimony case dismissed. The Judge would not listen to my alimony case, Mrs Payne was not prepared with documents when the Judge asked what we had provided, she stated she did not have the documents. Resulting in financial hardship and losing custody of my two girls. If you don't think your case will get ugly, then please use Barri. She is sweet in Nature. Just not cut out to be a bull dog attorney. She doesn't have it in her.

anonymous
January 14, 2015

Pick another lawyer, my experience with Barri was terrible. I several times had to ask if she was representing me or my ex. Barri was not through and did not seem to know the ins and outs of the process. She is not a take charge person and only followed the lead of the my exes lawyer. The separation agreement is very one sided and the loop holes that one would except a lawyer to catch and find and protect their client was not done. I felt the mediator was better representing me during the mediation than Barri. I parted ways with Barri. I now have to hire another lawyer to try and fix the huge mess Barri created. Thanks Barri, so glad my lying, cheating ex got to screwed me over again and I get to pay her each month for doing it.